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Contact Can Bulldogs Get Bloat? Plus 6 tips to Prevent it! The adorable face of your bulldog is truly mesmerizing each time you look at it. He is your true companion, always keeping beside you to help multiply your joy and divide your sorrow. Can bulldogs get bloat? Yes, bulldogs can get bloat, regardless of age. Bloating is caused by a heavy intake accumulation of air and the twisting of the stomach. It is the second leading cause of death in dogs, the first cause being cancer. Bulldogs are subject to multiple diseases and health emergencies. Luckily, bloating can be identified and prevented in most cases. What is Bloating in Dogs? Bloating also goes by the name Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus. In order to fully understand what it is, we will try to examine its stages. This can lead to blood circulation problems as the organs that surround the stomach along with the heart and diaphragm can be pressed. As the pressure builds, it prevents the blood from hind legs and abdomen from reaching the heart of your dog. Second Stage: Volvulus During the first stage, things might be relatively easier to control but the problem elevates if your dog reaches the second stage- Volvulus. Here, the stomach rotates and twists by degrees along with food, water and air trapped in it. The stomach, while flipping, drags the spleen and the pancreas along with it, cutting off the blood flow. This lethal disease can result in your dog dying in hours without you realizing it. Why Do Bulldogs Bloat? The prime cause of bloating is the accumulation of air in the stomach dilatation part as well as the twisting of the stomach volvulus part. Veterinarians have not yet been able to identify the sequence of the two parts, i. Bloat emerges suddenly and it can strike even a healthy dog. Though the actual cause of bloating in bulldogs is not yet known, the following reasons according to veterinarians are the most probable reasons that can cause your adorable bulldog to bloat. Bloat typically develops after your bulldog has taken a large meal. It can develop after your bulldog has consumed a lot of water after the meal. Bloat can also develop if your bulldog has extensively played after the meal. The faster your bulldog eats the less it chews so basically he is just chucking down all the food. Look out for the following signs that could signal the first stage of bloating; If there is an unusual tummy enlargement in your dog as though it is distended in the sides. The dog may start feeling sudden depression, malaise or lethargy. There could be pale gums or excessive salivation. Feelings of anxiety and unease in the dog. Also, the dog may feel painful or show aggression when his belly is touched. The first stage is usually followed by the second stage of bloating. In this stage, you may want to check the following; Is your dog having rapid heart rate? Is he experiencing shortness of breath? Is he losing consciousness? Have the gums turned purplish? Is he collapsing? The above indicators are not sure signs of bloating in your dog, but they are in most cases. You may consult with your veterinarian for the final call. While bloating is such a serious problem for your canine friend, you need not worry even if your sweet bulldog has been diagnosed with bloating. There are still many chances that he will recover soon if proper treatment is provided. The following are some possible treatment plans for curing or managing this condition. Radiographs and lactate test — As the symptoms can be related to some other disease, doctors may need to perform some tests to confirm it. Radiographs assist in determining whether the stomach may have already been twisted. Removal of the gas — If the dog is experiencing the first stage of bloating, a feeding-tube is inserted in the stomach which can help to vacate the trapped gas through his mouth and the esophagus. However, in case his stomach is already twisted, then the doctor would be forced to puncture the stomach and abdominal wall so as to allow the accumulated gas out. Surgery — If his stomach is already twisted, it may need to be brought back to place even after the gas has been taken out. Thus, surgery will be performed to untwist the stomach. Bloat is one of those curve balls that come out of no where and can be costly. Dog insurance can totally protect you and you can give your dog the best care with out any hesitation of cost. We break down 4 different dog insurances here to help you decide if it is right for you. Prevention is always better than cure! Why should you wait for your beloved canine friend to undergo this pain and risk of life? You should always take some precautionary measures to ensure your dog follows certain habits so that the occurrence of bloating is largely avoided. The following are some of these tips. Feed your bulldog in smaller portions, with two meals per day. Ensure he does not eat too fast. You can follow the below points for doing so: Give your bulldog small portions and refill the bowl finishing. Get a bowl from the market which helps your dog to feed slowly. If there are many dogs, take care that they are fed in different bowls. In fact, feed your dogs in separate areas if at all possible. Eating together causes anxiety and makes the dog eat fast. Even eating next to their human family members can cause stress while eating and cause your bulldog to eat faster. Let your bulldog eat in privacy for stress free meal time. Keep your dog active as well as fearless and happy. Stressed dogs are much likely to develop bloat. Do not let him drink excess water after eating. Ensure that he rests for some hours after taking his meal before letting him play. Consult a veterinarian before giving any medication. Conclusion I know that your love for bulldog knows no bounds. Though we cannot eliminate the risk of bloating, we can at least try to prevent it by following the above effective steps. I can not stress enough that bloat can quickly become an medical emergency and can lead to death in your bulldog if not treated with in an hour. Many people ask if bloat is treatable at home, and unfortunately, it is not. It is only preventable. Be sure to take note of the above steps to keep your bulldog safe and healthy. Post Views: 1, Shallow breathing Pale gums Puppies experiencing bloat will appear visibly uncomfortable and usually have a distended stomach. The pain may make your puppy act restless, pace, and whine and cry. Puppies may also wretch without producing vomit, as the blocked stomach entry will prevent regurgitation. The gums may appear pale, demonstrating a lack of oxygen, accompanied by shallow breathing and a rapid heartbeat. If your puppy is not treated, it will collapse and die. Causes of Bloat Several factors can contribute to your puppy experiencing bloat. Breed: Large and giant puppy breeds are three times more likely to experience bloat than mixed breeds. Large and giant breeds have wider, deeper stomachs that can hold more air, putting them at higher risk. The deep, narrow chest conformation of certain breeds creates a more acute angle where the esophagus connects with the stomach, making bloat more likely. Still, puppies of any size can develop bloat. Ingesting too much food or water quickly: When puppies eat food or drink too fast, they can inhale and trap large amounts of air in their stomachs and create bloat. The food or water itself can sometimes cause bloat, as a too-full stomach can press on other organs, no matter what is filling it. Exercising after eating: If a puppy partakes in strenuous exercise too soon after eating, its stomach can twist and swell, causing bloat. Anxiety: Irritable, anxious, and aggressive puppies are more prone to bloat. Weight: Dogs of any breed that weigh over pounds have a 20 percent risk of developing bloat at some point in their life. Diagnosing Bloat in Puppies To diagnose your puppy with bloat, your vet will examine clinical signs, medical history, and perform blood analysis and imaging tests like an ultrasound or X-ray. Imaging tests will reveal the extent of the bloat, and blood analysis will evaluate the level of oxygen loss. A speedy diagnosis is ideal, as an operation should happen as soon as possible. Treatment If you notice your puppy has symptoms of bloat, it needs to be taken to an animal hospital immediately. First, your vet will stabilize your puppy by administering IV fluids and oxygen. To treat bloat, your veterinarian decompresses your puppy's distended stomach by passing a tube down its throat to empty air from the stomach and allow the return of normal blood flow. When the stomach is twisted, your puppy will need surgery to properly reconfigure it. Sometimes, part of the stomach or the entirety of the spleen will need to be removed. If your puppy's surgery is successful, your surgeon may perform a gastropexy the suturing of the stomach to the abdominal wall to prevent future twisting. Prognosis for Puppies With Bloat The prognosis for puppies with bloat varies based on how early treatment is received and the extent of the organ damage. After surgery, your vet will monitor your puppy in the hospital for several days. Some puppies treated can return to normal shortly after treatment, while others will die regardless. The mortality rate for puppies who have received treatment for bloat is 20 to 40 percent and rises with every organ injury sustained. How to Prevent Bloat Although you can't completely prevent bloat, there are measures you can take to reduce its likelihood of occurring. Gastropexy surgery may be recommended preventatively, particularly in Great Danes or other puppies predisposed to bloat. Gastropexy doesn't prevent air from being trapped in the stomach, but it does keep the stomach from twisting. You can take many at-home measures to minimize the risk of bloat. These include lowering your puppy's food bowl, feeding smaller quantities of food over multiple meals throughout the day, separating multiple dogs at feeding times, and waiting several hours after eating before exercising your puppy. Positive puppy socialization that reduces anxiety can also help prevent bloat as it ages. FAQ Why does eating too fast cause bloat? Often if your puppy eats too much or too fast, its belly can be overfilled with food and gas, press on other organs, and cause bloat. How common is puppy bloat in a small breed dogs? Bloat most frequently occurs in large and giant breed dogs, but all dogs are able to experience the condition. How fast does it take for bloat to set in? Bloat sets in within two to three hours after your puppy begins experiencing symptoms. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Otherwise called Gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV , this condition is very common in pets all across the world. We all know that French bulldogs love to eat, but did you also realize how much they can suffer from bloat? The condition of gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV is a serious problem that can be fatal if left untreated. It progresses quickly towards life-threatening levels in just minutes. The stomach bloating in French bulldogs can come in two stages. The first stage is called gastric dilatation when the gasses and fluid cause the stomach to expand or bloat. Unfortunately, it can be fatal for a dog within only a few hours. The pancreas takes up much space inside dogs because it produces many important hormones like insulin to control blood sugar levels for example. When these vital organs get cut off from oxygenating tissue due to being pressed against one another by powerful abdominal muscles as seen during the digestion process which happens while flipping , they start producing harmful chemicals that can turn out to end up fatally. What causes a bloated stomach in French bulldogs? Use an anti-choking feeding bowl Since French bulldogs are naturally prone to fast eating because of their short snouts, you have to buy your pet a special anti-choke feeding bowl. The rotating bone will move as your Frenchie tries to reach food from the bowl and it will slow down his eating. In that way, your furry friend will not only have to work for his food but will also become less prone to bloating. Interactive Anti Choke Bowl is another French bulldog bowl that can help your pet. Feed your dog with multiple meals a day Instead of feeding your furry friend only one meal, you can divide the amount into two or three meals. Do not play with your dog right after the meal Playing with your Frenchie after the meal can cause his gizzard to twist. Just imagine how would you feel having training right after lunch. Well, your Frenchie would feel the same. Exposing your dog to strenuous exercise can lead to pains, gasses, and bloating. Keep your dog active Taking your Frenchie on regular strolls will improve his digestive system. Besides, walks will keep your dog in good shape and healthy. A rule of thumb is to take a French bulldog on multiple short strolls during the day. Visible stomach enlargement Heavy breathing and rapid heart rate A dog can show aggression when you try to touch its belly Hard belly in touch. Follow 21 symptom that should never be ignored by a pet-owner. This article is not specifically related to French bulldog. It is important for all the breeds, and since we know frenchies are very friendly pups that get along with the bigger or smaller fur-friends, Dailyfrenchie finds it important that you learn how to catch the thread, before it turned into a serious health issue. There are serious symptoms that should never be ignored in your dog. A symptom is defined as "any problem that can indicate an underlying disease" and may be your first clue to the presence of a life-threatening problem in your dog. Here is a list of 21 symptoms that should never be ignored if you see them from your dog! If you notice one or more - contact your vet immediately! Pacing and Restlessness. In dogs, pacing and restlessness can be indicate pain, discomfort or distress. Restlessness can be associated with a condition called " bloat " in which the stomach. Bloat and most commonly occurs in large breed or deep-chested dogs. Pacing and restless can be an indicator of a serious problem. Unproductive Retching. Dogs that attempt to vomit and are unable to bring anything up is a common sign of "bloat". Collapse or Fainting. Acute collapse is a sudden loss of strength causing your dog to fall and be unable to rise. Some dogs that suddenly collapse will actually lose consciousness. Some dogs recover very quickly and look essentially normal just seconds to minutes after collapsing, whereas others stay in the collapsed state until helped. All the reasons for collapse or fainting are serious and should not be ignored. Not Eating or Loss of Appetite. Anorexia is a term used to describe the situation where an animal loses his appetite and does not want to eat or is unable to eat. There are many causes of a "loss of appetite" and is often the first indication of illness. Regardless of cause, loss of appetite can have a serious impact on an animal's health if it lasts 24 hours or more. Young animals less than 6 months of age are particularly prone to the problems brought on by loss of appetite. Loosing Weight. Weight loss is a physical condition that results from a negative caloric balance. Essentially more calories are being burned than are being taken in. Weight loss is considered clinically important when it exceeds 10 percent of the normal body weight and is not associated with fluid loss. There are several causes for this, some of which can be very serious. Breathing Problems. Respiratory distress, often called dyspnea, is labored, difficult breathing or shortness of breath. This can occur at any time during the breathing process, during inspiration breathing in or expiration breathing out. When your dog has trouble breathing, he may not be able to get enough oxygen to his tissues. Additionally, if he has heart failure , he may not be able to pump sufficient blood to his muscles and other tissues. Dyspnea is often associated with accumulation of fluid edema in the lungs or the chest cavity pleural effusion. This fluid can lead to shortness of breath and coughing. This is a very serious symptom and should be evaluated immediately. Red Eye. A "red eye" is a non-specific sign of inflammation or infection. It may be seen with several different diseases including those involving different parts of the eye including the external eyelids, third eyelid, conjunctiva , cornea, and sclera. It may also occur with inflammation of the structures inside the eye, with glaucoma high pressure within the eye or with certain diseases of the orbit eye socket. Either one or both eyes can become red, depending upon the cause of the problem. Some of the possible causes can be serious and ultimately cause blindness. Jaundice, also referred to as icterus, describes the yellow color taken on by the tissues throughout the body due to elevated levels of bilirubin, a substance that comes from the breakdown of red blood cells. There are several causes for jaundice and regardless of the cause, jaundice is considered abnormal and serious in the dog. Trouble Urinating. Discomfort may be demonstrated by crying out during urination, excessive licking at the urogenital region or turning and looking at the area. There are several underlying causes. Some of the causes if left untreated can result in death in as little as 36 hours. Urinating and Drinking Excessively. These signs are often early signs of disease including kidney failure, diabetes mellitus , thyroid gland problems, uterine infection called pyometra , as well as other causes. It is believed that fever is a method of fighting infection. The body resets the temperature control area of the brain to increase the body temperature — probably in response to invasion of foreign matter such as bacteria or viruses. The normal temperature in dogs is .If your pet temperature is high, call your veterinarian. A seizure or convulsion is a sudden excessive firing of nerves in the brain. The severity of the seizure can vary between a far-away look or twitching in one part of the face to your dog falling on his side, barking, gnashing his teeth, urinating, defecating and paddling his limbs. A seizure can last from seconds to minutes. Seizures are symptoms of some neurological disorder — they are not in themselves a disease. They can be caused by several disorders including epilepsy , toxins or tumors. Bruising and Bleeding. Abnormal bruising and bleeding arises with disorders of hemostasis clotting. Clotting abnormalities are also called coagulopathies, because they reflect the inability of the blood to coagulate or clot. Bleeding from clotting disturbances may occur into the skin, the mucous membranes, and various internal organs, tissues, and body cavities. The impact of such bleeding on the affected individual may be mild or severe depending on the degree of blood loss. It affects the respiratory system by hindering the ability to breathe properly. Common causes include obstruction in the windpipe, bronchitis, pneumonia, heartworm disease , lung tumors, kennel cough and heart failure. Some of the causes are life threatening and all pets with a cough should be evaluated by a veterinarian. Bloated or Distended Abdomen. Abdominal distension is an abnormal enlargement of the abdominal cavity. This term is usually reserved for abdominal enlargement due to causes other than simple obesity. One cause of abdominal distension is abnormal fluid accumulation. Another cause of abdominal distension is enlargement of any abdominal organ including the liver, kidneys, or spleen. Distension of the stomach with air " bloating " or fluid or distension of the uterus womb during pregnancy, can result in abdominal distension. Pressure from the abdomen pushing into the chest may make breathing more difficult and pressure within the abdomen may decrease the appetite. NOTE: It is important to recognize abdominal distension because it can be a symptom of potentially life-threatening diseases and should be investigated thoroughly. Bloody Diarrhea. Blood in the feces can either appear as "melena" which makes the stools appear black and tarry is the presence suggests digested blood in the feces. Melena is different from fresh blood in the stool hematochezia. Bleeding into the colon or rectum appears as fresh blood in the stool. Bloody diarrhea should be evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Bloody Urine. Hematuria is the presence of red blood cells in the urine. It may be gross visible to the naked eye or microscopic. There are several possible causes including bacterial infections, cancer, stones in the urinary tract. Bite Wounds. Bite wounds are often the result when two animals engage in a fight or aggressive play. Bite wounds, which may only appear as a small puncture wound in the skin, can actually be quite extensive. Once the tooth penetrates the skin, severe damage can occur to the underlying tissues without major skin damage. Some wounds may appear deceptively minor but may have the potential to be life threatening, depending on the area of the body bitten. Bloody Vomit. Vomiting blood can fresh blood, which is bright red or partially digested blood, which has the appearance of brown coffee grounds. There are a variety of causes of vomiting blood and the effects on the animal are also variable. Some are subtle and minor ailments, while others are severe or life threatening. Lethargy or Weakness. Lethargy is a state of drowsiness, inactivity, or indifference in which there are delayed responses to external stimuli such as auditory sound , visual sight , or tactile touch stimuli. Lethargy is a nonspecific sign associated with many possible underlying systemic disorders. It may have little to no impact on the affected individual; however its presence may represent severe or life-threatening illness. Lethargy of more than a day's duration should not be ignored, and should be addressed, especially if it persists. Pale Gums. Pale gums or mucous membranes can indicate blood loss or "shock". The possible causes for either blood loss or shock are life-threatening and thus should be evaluated immediately. We know it is long reading, but the fact that you made it to the end means - you truly care for your pup. The severity of the case determines the treatment recommendation for the affected dog. At VMC, we aim for rapid confirmation of diagnosis, attending to patient comfort by release of as much gas pressure as possible and with pain medications , and for rapid stabilization and preparation for surgery. Dogs that are bloated without volvulus can normally be treated non-surgically. There are some definitive diagnostic indicators that can tell us that we are dealing with a high-risk surgery with a low probability of success. We want the pet owner to be able to make an educated decision about proceeding with surgery in those cases. The surgery also allows the veterinarian to assess the amount of damage caused by the lack of blood flow due to the twisted stomach. If there is any tissue that is damaged it will be removed. In extreme cases where the condition has been left untreated for a longer time period, there may be too little live tissue to salvage. With appropriate pre-surgical diagnostics, pet owners can be informed of this risk in most cases prior to pursuing surgery. Generally, a gastropexy is also performed during the surgical procedure. During a gastropexy, the stomach is sutured to the abdominal wall. This is designed to keep the stomach in place and prevent twisting of the stomach if bloat occurs again. Dogs especially those with any of the risk factors above may also require intensive care after surgery, including the possible need for blood transfusions and other specialized care. Preventing Bloat Preventative measures can be taken to reduce the risk of bloat. Some strategies that are currently recommended are: Feed smaller meals more frequently, and restrict activity for hours after meal time. Do not use a raised food bowl. Never let the dog drink a large amount of water all at once. Avoid strenuous exercise on a full stomach. To lessen the severity of bloat, a gastropexy is an excellent preventive. Many owners of large breeds of dogs routinely opt to have the surgery done when their dogs are young. This procedure is often performed at the time of neuter or spay, and this procedure can now be performed laparoscopically at the Veterinary Medical Center of CNY. None of these measures will guarantee that the dog won't bloat, but they may help reduce the severity of the problem if it arises. Without treatment the condition is fatal. Pet owners should be familiar with their nearest veterinary emergency facility in the event that their regular veterinarian is not available after hours or does not have experience handling this condition. If possible, call ahead and tell them you suspect bloat. Time is of the essence when dealing with cases of bloat, and the sooner your pet receives veterinary care, the better chance of a full recovery. A true GDV is a condition that must be treated surgically in order for your dog to survive. Surgery and post-operative care are costly, and euthanasia is the only alternative that will prevent suffering for the dog. For those who own breeds in the high risk pool, we recommend budgeting for a preventive gastropexy rather than risking an expensive emergency surgery with an already compromised pet. Many pet insurance companies will also provide coverage for this preventive surgery. We offer pre-screening triage services by partnering with VetTriage! Visit Us. Rapid or shallow breathing Collapse or shock If you find out that your Frenchie is suffering from bloat, contact your veterinarian immediately. Basically, bloat is a medical emergency, and if the treatment is not done at the right time it will lead to a lot of complications and even death. How to prevent bloat in French bulldogs? Although the bloat is not completely preventable, you can take certain steps to decrease the chances of bloat in French bulldogs. Feed your French bulldog a high-quality diet A good quality diet with all the nutrients is essential for the overall health of French bulldogs. When selecting the dog food for your Frenchie, always go through the ingredient list and make sure that the formula is according to the age, breed, and activity level of your pup. Furthermore, make sure that the food has good quality ingredients, including whole grains, animal-based proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid feeding your French bulldog table scraps or human food, as this can disrupt their digestive system and increase their risk of bloat. Feed smaller meals more frequently The next important thing that you can do is to feed your Frenchie small frequent meals as it can help in reducing the chances of bloat by preventing the air to enter the stomach. You can do this by feeding your Frenchie three to four small meals instead of two large meals per day. Use a slow-feed bowl If your Frenchie is an aggressive eater and eats his meals too quickly it increases the risk of bloat. In order to avoid this situation use a slow-feeding bowl or mat. They are designed in a way that they could decrease the speed of your dog while eating. The slow feeding bowl for French bulldogs is a revolutionary new product designed to help your dog eat at a slower pace. The design of the bowl keeps food inside it and prevents your dog from gulp-feeding, which can lead to bloat and other digestive issues. The slow-feeding bowl for French bulldogs is made of high-quality plastic and is dishwasher safe, making it easy to clean. Limit water intake before and after meals Water is an important component for maintaining the good health of your French bulldog but if they drink a large amount of water before or after every meal it increases the risk of bloat. In order to avoid this issue limit their water intake for at least an hour before and after a meal. Instead, wait at least an hour after feeding your dog before engaging in any strenuous activities. Reduce stress and anxiety Anxiety and stress are not good for your French bulldog because they increase the risk of bloat. To decrease the stress in your French bulldog make sure they have a safe and comfortable space when they need rest. It is also necessary to provide your pup with a lot of mental stimulation and exercise to burn off excess energy and reduce stress. Monitor your French bulldog for signs of bloat Early detection is necessary when you want to treat bloats. Always keep an eye on your French bulldog for the sign of bloat, like restlessness, distended abdomen, and unsuccessful attempts to vomit. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek veterinary care immediately. Consider a prophylactic gastropexy A prophylactic gastropexy is a surgical procedure that can be done to prevent bloat in dogs, especially those at high risk, like French bulldogs. In this procedure, the vet will attach the stomach to the abdominal wall, as it will prevent it from twisting. Talk to your veterinarian about whether a prophylactic gastropexy is right for your French bulldog. Feeding your dog a high-quality diet, feeding smaller meals more frequently, using a slow-feed bowl, limiting water intake before and after meals, avoiding exercise immediately after eating, reducing stress and anxiety, monitoring your dog for signs of bloat, and considering a prophylactic gastropexy are all effective ways to prevent bloat in French bulldogs. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your French bulldog lives a healthy and happy life. How to treat bloating in Bulldogs Time is crucial when treating the incidence of bloating in Bulldogs. Early treatment makes a difference between life and death for them. Some symptoms of this disorder are similar to other diseases. So, if bloat is suspected, the vet performs some quick tests to confirm or rule it out. Procedures may also include radiographs x-rays and lactate test. Radiographs help determine if the stomach has already been twisted, while the lactate test is performed to check if there is already necrosis or cell death in the stomach or surrounding organs. The damage done by bloating is often irreparable if necrosis has already begun. If the vet determines that your Bulldog has a high chance of survival, treatment is immediately started. Letting the gas out While treating bloating in Bulldogs, it is necessary to remove the trapped gas. But if the stomach has already twisted, the vet may opt to puncture the abdominal and stomach wall to let the trapped gas out. Surgery If the disease reaches the volvulus stage, the stomach has to be returned to its original position even if the gas has already been out. To do this, the vet will untwist the stomach via surgery. Many surgeons recommend performing a gastropexy, an operation that refers to the suturing of stomach to the body wall, after the stomach is arranged back to its original position. This surgical operation prevents the stomach from twisting again. How to prevent bloating in Bulldogs? There is not a surefire way to stop bloating in Bulldogs from happening. However, there are a few things that you can do to reduce the risk of bloat in your pet. Feed your Bulldog smaller meals spanned throughout the day instead of giving him one large meal per day. Feed him using a slow-feeder to stop him from eating too fast and gulping air in the process. Do not feed your Bulldog dry kibble with water as dry dog food tends to expand in the stomach. Do not let your Bulldog drink too much water after eating. Make your Bulldog rest for a couple of hours after eating before letting him to play. It slows him down while eating. Use gastric medication in your first aid kit and use it as soon as you see the early signs of bloating in your Bulldog. But make sure to call your veterinarian first before giving your Bulldog any medication. Leave a comment below and share your thoughts.

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Most dog subscription boxes contain bundles of both food and non-food items, but Pooch Perks , Bullymake , and Pet Treater let you adjust your plan to receive only toys. However, if accessories are the non-food item you prefer, BoxDog is the best option. While the subscription does include treats and toys, it also sends skin care products and lets you pick out accessories every month. The same applies to Bark Bright , which will supply you with a monthly supply of toothpaste and chews. Methodology To find the best dog subscription boxes, our team reviewed nearly two dozen services, evaluating each one on the following criteria: Average price Number of items per box Variety of products.

Boxers make great pets for both families and individuals, with their energetic and loyal traits. Adopting a puppy requires a lot of time and research to find a breeder that is best for you. While there are many to choose from, how do you make a decision? To give you some options, here are 5 Boxer Breeders in Florida to help you find your new furry friend and loyal companion. They are based in the Northeast Ocala area of Florida. Our goal at Shoquest is to produce puppies of the highest quality that will bring a lifetime of joy to their families. For more information, you can send them an email at shoquestboxers gmail. Our Boxers are raised inside with us and are part of our family. We do not have a kennel. The puppies are also raised inside, along with my children, and are well socialized. They come pre-spoiled. Their puppies are socialized from the day they are born and until they are at least 8 weeks of age. They will have their tails docked, dew claws removed, have their 1st set of vaccinations, a Florida Health Certificate and their AKC registration form. To learn more and get in touch, you can visit their website here. We could not be happier with our puppy and the process itself from start to finish. We will definitely be using the JCS Boxers again for our next puppy. They follow a meticulous diet for their puppies, with all of it starting with the health of the mom. Additionally, they plan their litters responsibly. Currently, their next litter is for January and you can view their gallery of puppies on their website here. In order to stay in touch about upcoming litters or to answer any questions you may have, you can send them an email at info jcsboxers. They are located in Central Florida and have been in business since .Boxers are our passion and ours are part of our family, living beside us inside our house because that is where they belong. We have owned Boxers as far back as I can remember. They are a very special breed but they are not for everyone. They require little grooming but they do need daily exercise. Boxers are very intelligent and loving.They are also very playful and have plenty of energy. They are great with children but need proper early training. They are all AKC, will have their tails docked, dew claws removed, vaccinations and health certificates before you take them home. And, they require an application before placing their puppies with you as they want to make sure they are going to loving, forever families. To get in touch about their next litter, you can contact them on their website here. They pride themselves on having a business that focuses on American production including all of the food and everything they use to raise their puppies. We believe we have achieved this with our boxers. We have spent time and research on choosing all our boxers. Boxers are born to show off and they do plenty of that. Their puppies are a part of their family, they have areas to exercise and play and have the best quality care. Currently, they have one boxer from their litter that is available. To keep in touch with their future litters, you can visit their puppies page here. And, to learn more or get in touch you can call them at .With the cost of veterinary bills rising each year, you could easily find yourself paying thousands out of pocket if an accident or illness were to occur. Let our team at Fursure help you get started on finding the best pet insurance policy for your furry friend. You pet will thank you! To get your pet protected and covered in just a few minutes , buy a pet insurance policy today! Join the Pack No spam. Just the very best in show products, expert pet parenting advice, and more.Read about our privacy policy. Thank you! Your submission has been received! Something went wrong while submitting the form. Introducing pet insurance that pays your vet directly. We let you keep your cash on hand, so you can focus on giving your pet the best care possible. For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. For the complete list please see our List of Boxer Breeders page. These prices are estimates only; each seller can charge whatever they like. The main factor that may affect the price of a boxer puppy is your location within the state which could either increase or decrease the cost. Other factors include breed popularity most popular breeds are generally listed at an average price , whether or not the dog has been AKC registered such registrations often come with a fee and if shipping is included in the price. There are several questions that should always be asked when deciding on whether or not someone is reliable enough to purchase from. Look out for these warning signs: The smell of ammonia or other foul odors this means the boxers were not kept clean Dirty cages, feeds or toys The presence of rats, mice or other pests. If at any point during your visit something seems off, trust your instincts and do not buy from the breeder. In some cases, it might even be helpful to contact your local SPCA or humane society as they may have handled situations involving this particular breeder. Meeting past customers will help you get a feel for whether or not you can trust the breeder and if they produce healthy, happy dogs. If their reviews are negative, be wary of buying from this person. Your breeder should have a good relationship with a veterinarian who is familiar with their practices and the conditions the boxers are kept in. If this is the case, how can you expect them to take care of your pup? Ask to See The Health Certificates for Your Boxer Puppy If any records exist, ask to see proof of all vaccinations, deworming and other procedures listed above; if none do, be wary. For this reason, you need to ask questions and obtain proof of any conditions your puppy may have. If the breeder does not provide this information easily, move on. This will prove that your Boxer Puppy is purebred and that the breeder is authorized to breed boxers. If these documents cannot be provided, take it as a warning sign. There are several simple things you can do in order to get yourself and your house ready. A playpen or kennel is perfect. When you go to pick up your boxer puppy, there are a few things that you should bring with you. Their new environment can seem overwhelming, so give them plenty of love and reassurance during this time. The younger they are when you start, the easier it will be Older Boxers can also be trained but it will take longer and be more difficult to do so. Keep this in mind before bringing your puppy home. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter.

How to pick the right dog bed for a bulldog? When choosing the right bed for your bulldog, it is important to consider factors like size, durability, ease of cleaning, and the style of the bed. This picture was taken after about 3 months of use. He loves it and prefers sleeping in it rather than his crate bed. Ollie was 5 months old in the picture and weighed about 35 lbs. What do bulldogs need out of a dog bed? Ideally, you have to choose one which is soft but not so soft that it does not provide the proper support for your dog. What other factors make a good dog bed for a bulldog? Beds that come with a breathable cover are a good option to be sure that your dog will be at ease irrespective of the season. For example, if your bulldog suffers from arthritis or other bone-related problems, a memory foam bed might be the right option for it. On the other hand, polyester might be a better material for puppies. What are the different materials dog beds are usually made out of? They are entirely smooth as well, which means that your dog will be at complete ease. They are also easy to wash and are waterproof, which makes them the most popular type of outer material for dog beds. When the bed consists of this material, it can last longer and is also aesthetically pleasing. Vinyl is versatile and a preferred option for many since it is easy to maintain. It is suitable for older dogs as well as younger ones. The older dogs can get proper bone joint support with this filling, because it can resist compression, which means that it will retain its shape. That, along with the fact that they are a more expensive option in general, makes it a less feasible option for the budget-conscious bed seeker. It is hypoallergenic, provides excellent insulation, and is lightweight and washable, which is why it is so widely used. Can dog beds be toxic for your dog? Dogs can be allergic to certain materials like formaldehyde, which can cause skin irritation. The best way to pick the safest bed for your dog is to choose a hypoallergenic bed. Photo by The Bulldog Blog Which dog bed brands are known for their quality? What makes them so good? Now that you are aware of the things which you should look for while choosing a dog bed, here are three brands and their top tier models to choose from. Brindle Brindle has been selling dog beds since .They specialize in versatile dog beds, which can provide proper support for your dog. Most of their dog beds are for orthopedic dogs, which means that adequate bone joint support is always on offer. It is available in six different design options and three sizes, which makes it easy for you to choose. It consists of a 2-inch conforming memory foam and 2-inch high-density support foam. The combination of both of these foam types makes it very comfortable. The zippered cover is easy to remove and wash. The waterproof layer beneath the cover ensures that you need not worry about any spills. It can handle a lot of wear and tear and has a non-slip bottom, which means that it remains in one place. Soft faux fur keeps your pooch warm and cozy Comes with a water-resistant nylon bottom Raised edges are perfect for burrowing The entire bed is machine washable and dryer-safe Available in three sizes and two colors Offers great orthopedic support and a comfortable headrest Check price on Chewy The French Bulldog breed can be prone to developing separation anxiety, and an anxious puppy can be challenging to calm down. Not only is this bed among the most popular dog beds on the market, but it also received great reviews from dog owners. The raised bolsters on the edges offer your pooch amazing comfort, while the covering made out of faux fur calms it down. Thanks to the overlocked-stitching, the zippered cover is super durable in addition to being washer and dryer safe. Feeding your Bulldog a well-balanced diet is just as important as providing it with a comfortable bed. So, if you want to find out what is the best food for a French Bulldog, you can do that here. The Importance Of Choosing The Right Bed For Bulldogs Even if your beloved pooch sleeps beside you in your bed or is allowed to try out different sleeping positions on the couch, it still needs its own bed. The sleep cycles of dogs and humans are different, and sleeping together can affect the quality of sleep for both. Picking the right bed for your furry best friend is crucial, especially if it suffers from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint issues. Most veterinarians agree that Bulldogs are prone to suffering from sleep apnea. This is a condition in which dogs temporarily stop breathing, which causes their bodies to wake them up to take a breath. Sleep apnea is a common occurrence in short-nosed dog breeds like Bulldogs due to a health condition called brachycephalic airway syndrome, which makes breathing difficult. If your Bulldog suffers from this ailment, you should consider getting a hypoallergenic, dust, and mite-resistant dog bed with no cedar, toxic, or allergenic filling. A bed with these qualities will ensure your pooch sleeps in an environment that will not worsen its breathing condition. If you want to find out what dog food best fits your Bulldog, you can check out our best food for English Bulldogs guide! If you have a Bully that snores loudly and frequently and takes long naps during the day, there is a good chance that sleep apnea is the cause. A Bulldog that lives in a warm place may not want to sleep in one of those cave or tent beds. On the other hand, an older dog with arthritis or hip dysplasia would much rather appreciate a pillow on the ground than one of those elevated dog beds. Also, keep in mind that young puppies would greatly benefit from waterproof beds as they are prone to having potty accidents. A good bed will help your dog sleep better. But, why is this important? Moreover, sleep deprivation in people and animals can lead to infections. Selecting The Right Bulldog Bed As a dog owner, you need to make sure your furry friend has a quiet and comfortable place where they can snooze without any disturbance. This will give you a hint on what type of bed your dog needs. The bed should be large enough for it to comfortably and naturally lie down. If possible, see to it that there is enough space for your dog to stretch out its legs. If your dog loves to lie flat on its back or stomach, then mattress beds are the way to go. Try to give your pooch different options as each Bulldog will have its own preference. There are beds that regulate body temperature as well as elevated and covered-up beds. But, easy cleaning should also be one of your main concerns. Purchase a bed that is made from more robust materials if you are planning on taking your pooch along on camping, garden explorations, or other adventures. It would be wise not to take this lightly to give back some of the love our furry companions unconditionally give us. Dogs suffering from pain, joint problems, or other aches would greatly appreciate memory foam or an orthopedic dog bed as these types of beds allow them to easily get in and out. A shy or anxious Bulldog will appreciate a somewhat closed bed, like an igloo, for comfort when things are too much for it to handle. There are many types of raised dog beds made of canvas, making them resistant to destruction and abuse from Bulldogs. Chewing through the fabric is borderline impossible since it is flat, and chewing through the frame would require teeth of steel. Moreover, Bulldogs and most other dog breeds usually scratch at their bedding first before laying down. This can leave marks on most beds but not on elevated ones. Lastly, this breed does not cool down very well due to its short snout. However, elevated dog beds are raised off from the ground so that your pooch has better body temperature regulation due to increased airflow. Whether a bed will suit your dog or not depends entirely on your Bulldog. However, the best thing to do is to go for orthopedic dog beds with hypoallergenic removable covers to ensure your Bulldog stays away from skin problems and achy joints. Generally speaking, large or extra-large dog beds are your best bet when it comes to this breed. However, young puppies or dogs who like to cuddle may require smaller-sized beds. Yes, our furry friends need at least one bed, if not two. This can cause issues, especially in dogs who are prone to orthopedic problems. Besides that, dog beds are a great way of keeping your pet ventilated in summer and warm in winter. English Bulldogs, like their French cousins, are more sedentary than most other dog breeds. On average, English Bullies tend to sleep between twelve and fourteen hours every day! If you have a middle-aged or senior dog, you may notice that it sleeps even more than this. Because of this, it is very important to provide your pup with a comfortable and supportive bed, or you risk it accumulating serious health problems in the long run. Conclusion So, which of the best Bulldog beds we listed above is your favorite? This Casper bed is comfy, spacious, and makes the perfect snuggling place for your Bulldog! Post navigation. Understand the importance of Bulldogs The Importance of The Right Bed In Bulldogs If your Bulldog sleeps with you in your bed or is allowed to crash on the couch, he still needs his bed. Dog and human sleep cycles differ, which can affect the quality of sleep for both. Picking the right bed for your Bulldog friend is vital, especially if they suffer from hip dysplasia, arthritis, or other joint issues. Joan C. Hendricks, the Gilbert S. Khan Dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, says Bulldogs are more prone to sleep apnea, a condition where they temporarily stop breathing, causing their bodies to jolt them awake to take a breath. Sleep apnea is common in short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs due to an ailment known as Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome, which makes breathing difficult. A Bulldog who lives in a warm climate may not want to sleep in one of those cozy cave beds, and an older Bulldog with hip dysplasia or arthritis will not be fond of raised dog beds. Young bulldog puppies benefit from a waterproof bed as potty accidents are bound to happen. A good bed will promote good sleep. And this important why? The Size Typically, Bulldogs have an average height of 14 to 15 inches and can weigh 40 to 50 pounds. A good measure of scale is to get a dog bed that is 2 and 2. A perfect size bed will allow your dog to roll over while dreaming without falling off. Multiplying by 2 gives you 26 inches. Multiplying by 2. This bed size should provide ample space for your dog. Unfortunately, Bulldogs have a list of ailments. First, their thick, low-slung bodies, broad shoulders, and narrow hips make bulldogs prone to hip dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis and makes it difficult for them to get around. As puppies, they may also develop a problem known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD. Durability How often do you return home to find that your Bulldog has chewed up your couch or pillows? Bulldogs can be serious chewers. It might be ideal for you to check our guide on the best indestructible dog beds if you have a power chewer at home. Waterproof beds are ideal if puppies or senior dogs with incontinence. If your Bulldog is a smelly one, cedar-filled beds are great for repelling foul odors. Make sure the foam provides proper support to their body from the hard floor. Look for memory foam, composite foam, and textile-based materials stuffing. Cotton or polyfill materials do not survive for long under the weight of dogs and do not provide the necessary support to their body. Remember, Bulldogs are brachycephalic. This breed has trouble breathing, so they have a low tolerance for vigorous exercise, making them prone to heat exhaustion and heatstroke. It must have a sturdy filling and decent thickness inside to withstand the English Bulldog weight. To avoid your Bulldog slipping off the bed when jumping in and out of bed, a no-skid bottom i. Ease of Cleaning There are several reasons you want to pick a bed for Bulldogs with easy cleaning features. For starters, Bulldogs shed moderately. Consequently, you will need to clean up a lot of dog hair from his bed. Bulldogs also tend to sleep with their tongues out. These behaviors are associated with an overbite or underbite , a common issue in this breed. The tongue can also hang out while Bulldogs sleep because they snore and have trouble breathing. Easy-to-wipe surfaces will also cut down on the number of wash cycles needed. Aim for machine-washable beds. Sleeping Patterns Shape Bulldogs might sleep on their backs, sides, or on their stomachs. For example, if your Bully likes to curl up, he might prefer a donut bed, while those who sprawl may choose a flatbed. English Bulldogs tend to measure between inches. A dog bed within these measurements or higher will be an excellent fit for your Bulldog pet. You now have an idea of the type of bed your Bulldog needs. So, what are the best bulldog beds? Chapter 2. They belong to the non-sporting category of doggos and love spending their days lazing around. Nonetheless, bulldogs are prone to overheating, allergies, and orthopedic problems. Our bully-specific article, with a top ten list for Best Dog Beds for Bulldogs, will set you on the right path! Our Top Pick For effortless post navigation, let us talk about our front-runner first. Pet parents will like this bed for their cuddly bulldog for several reasons. Firstly, this bed offers the benefits of an egg crate orthopedic foam mattress. Why do Bulldogs Need Special Considerations? Health Bulldogs have a unique physique. With their thick-set body and short legs, bulldogs have a tricky time getting comfortable. And sleeping on the floor can add to their discomfort. Without a proper bed, your bulldog may develop joint or ligament problems — which can lead to poor overall health. Additionally, not having a bulldog bed can lead to your pet napping on your bed or sofas, which may cause issues if your pet is prone to skin allergies. Allergy symptoms in bulldogs include dandruff, hair loss, or flaky skin — none of which you want on your furniture. Your bulldog is just as susceptible to weather changes as you are. Size Bulldogs are medium-size canines that can weigh anywhere from 40 to 50 pounds approx. Size Choosing a dog bed with enough space for your bulldog to get comfortable is crucial when buying bulldog beds. The pet bed needs to be sizable enough for your pup to be able to stretch its legs or curl up — whatever its preference. Dog beds that promise durability are made from top-notch materials. Comfort When it comes to a comfortable bed for your bulldog — the best judge is your pet. If your pet is a bulldog puppy who likes to sleep all curled up, a cuddler may suit you just fine. On the other hand, a memory foam dog bed with an anti-slip bottom is generally more suitable for older dogs. If your dog suffers from arthritis or joint pain, investing in an orthopedic bed or a dog bed with orthopedic foam will bring your bulldog much-needed relief from achy joints. Quality No matter the product — quality always matters. Thickness As we stated earlier, English Bulldogs tend to develop orthopedic problems or ligament injuries due to their physique. Types of Dog Beds for Bulldogs Here are some of the varieties you may encounter when looking for a dog bed for your comfort-loving bulldog. Basic Cushion or Pillow Beds Cushion or pillow dog beds are probably the most common type of bed products for pets. These beds are more like extra-large cushions that are available in various sizes according to the dog breed. Cushion dog beds are an excellent option for pet owners who have dogs that like sprawling out as they sleep or relax. In that case, opting for an orthopedic bed for your English bulldog is the best option. These certainly make for some of the best bulldog beds because they allow your dog to sleep in peace without being troubled by joint pain. Some beds offer orthopedic memory foam with a heating or cooling element to promote body temperature regulation. Fiber Filled Beds Unlike foam padding, fiber filled dog beds utilize a polyester filling to maximize comfort for your bulldog puppy. These dog beds are available in several shapes, sizes, and designs to give your pooch a spot to rest its eyes. Elevated Beds Elevated beds stand a few inches above the ground and include a durable fabric sleeping area for your pet to rest. Elevated dog beds are great for road trips, outings, and excursions because their design helps keep your bulldog off the ground and away from insects and pests. This type of bed is ideal as an outdoor dog bed for summers because the raised surface and breathable fabric construction allow for greater ventilation. Bolster or Sofa Style Beds The design of sofa or bolster style dog beds will typically include a raised side on one, two, or three sides of the bed. This type of bed is perfect for English bulldogs that like to snuggle or lean their head on a raised surface as they sleep. Donut or Bagel Shaped Beds Donut or bagel shaped beds have a raised rim that surrounds the bed, creating the shape of donut or bagel. These beds are also referred to as cuddlers and make an ideal snoozing spot for bulldogs who like to curl up in their sleep. Here are our top ten contenders for the best bulldog beds. Get it on Amazon Are you looking for a bed for your bulldog that offers the comfort of orthopedic memory foam, along with plush faux-fur and cuddly fiber-filled bolsters? But what makes this product the best dog bed for bulldogs is its two-layer foam construction. The base includes medical-grade foam, whereas you can choose from memory foam or cooling gel foam options for the top layer. The entire bed is machine washable and includes a non-skid anti slip bottom to ensure the bed stays in place. Get it on Amazon Kopeks is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most reputable brands for dog beds. This bed is perfect for pet owners on the lookout for sleeping options for their family dogs. Apart from being a top-notch memory foam dog bed suitable for pets with hip dysplasia , the product also features a double-layer zippered cover machine washable along with an inner waterproof liner. Talk about an easy to clean dog bed. Get it on Amazon Give your dog a safe and near indestructible snoozing space with the Kuranda Dog Bed. Apart from being easy to clean, the Kuranda sleeping surface is also abrasion resistant and non-slip. Best of all, this item is easy to clean bye-bye to pet dander and offers a 1-year warranty. Available in different size variations, this bagel bed is perfect for all bulldog curlers and cuddlers — be it a Frenchie or a English bulldog. The microfiber cover is plushy and washing machine safe. Get it on Amazon The English Bulldog breed is prone to developing separation anxiety, and a bulldog pup can be quite tricky to calm down. Its raised rim feature can offer your pup superior comfort while the faux fur cover calms it down. The zippered cover is not only washer and dryer safe but super durable thanks to double overlock-stitching. Another notable feature is the soft, zippered velour cover that resists fur and dirt. This thing comes pretty close to doggy bed perfection. Get it on Amazon This bed may not be available on Chewy. The Odor Free Dog Bed by Green Breath Eco combines an odor-fighting bamboo feature with a memory foam construction to bring you a marvel in our best bed compilation. Just make sure to check this out. Get it on Amazon The Plush Dog Bed might just have what it takes to make all dogs fall in love with it. The cover features a swirly plushy design in an attractive grey shade. The bed is machine washable and dryer-safe. This bed is great to look at, economical, and suitable for large-sized breeds like bulldogs. Our Final Thoughts One of the best things we love about our job is getting to cover and review all things canine-related. What is the best bed for an English bulldog? Whether a bed is perfect for your pet or not — depends on your bulldog. However, generally, you should go for orthopedic dog beds for bulldogs with hypoallergenic removable covers to ensure they stay from achy joints and skin problems. What size bed does an English bulldog need? Generally, large or extra-large pet beds are perfectly suitable for bulldogs. However, puppies who like cuddling may require smaller-sized beds. Do dogs really need dog beds? Yes, dogs do need dog beds, at least one — if not two. Additionally, dogs are also great for keeping your pet warm in winters and ventilated in summers. Related Posts. The orthopedic comfort of this raised bed available in 3 heights provides healthy support for English Bulldogs' hips and joints throughout their lifetime. English Bulldogs can enjoy the comfort of this raised bed with fabric choices for both indoors with a soft cordura, and outdoors to stay cool with vinyl weave. English Bulldog owners especially enjoy how easily Kuranda beds can be wiped clean. Originally bought for my large American Bulldog, now my older boxer sleeps with him all day which exceeds the beds weight rating but it hasn't budged. It's built to last and built very well with bombproof materials. You can also lift it with one finger. Michelle Mentor, OH my bulldog loves his bed I am very happy with this bed. It was incredibly easy to assemble. My Bulldog has gone through numerous bed and on the first day he tried to destroy it. The dog was worn out, but the bed remained practically new. Perfect for Bulldogs! I was at the end of my rope with my chewing, digging Bulldog puppy. We went with the Aluminum bed for durability and the Vinyl for easy cleaning and dig resistance. I have been amazed with this bed; our little girl has barely put a scratch on legs even though she tried quite hard the first few weeks. It's super easy to clean up all her shedding hair and slobber. Are you asking yourself, is my English bulldog getting the proper sleep he needs? On average, Bulldogs need hours of sleep per day. So, how can you help your bulldog get the best rest and sleep possible their body requires? A well-made bed for a dog will greatly improve their quality of life. Senior dogs can benefit from orthopedic dog beds with memory foam to give them a comfortable resting place. Soothing Out Joint Pain: This breed of dog is prone to joint and muscle pain. A high-quality pet bed will help with joint pain that your bulldog may be experiencing while possibly also preventing future arthritic problems. Orthopedic beds are especially good for helping alleviate pain. Anxiety: Even a bulldog can have a stressful day. Having their own area will ease their anxiety and give them the space they need for some alone time and relaxation. The same goes for dog hair. One way to prevent this is for the dog to have his own bed to sleep on. For the most part, a large or an xlarge dog bed is suitable for bulldogs. An English Bulldog puppy, however, may like the security of a smaller bed, letting them cuddle. Every bulldog is slightly different in size. Getting the measurement on yours will help you shop for a dog bed accordingly. Washability: If your bulldog is a mess maker, getting a bed with removable covers that can be machine washed would be best. Style: Depending on what your English bulldog prefers, you can get a cave-like bed where your bulldog can walk in and get that enclosed feeling. Or you can get a flat-like bed where they can lie down and relax. Bolster beds have three sides or bolster pillows that allow the dog to lay against them, giving the dog an enclosed feeling of comfort and security. If your dog has anxiety, then a round bed that has calming abilities might be the perfect dog bed for you. English Bulldog Beds Review.

Welcome to the Missouri state page on TrustedPuppies. Located in the heart of the Midwest, Missouri is known for its beautiful landscapes, bustling cities, and a wide variety of dog-friendly activities. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional MO Golden Retriever breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the ideal companion for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our Missouri breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Discover the diverse dog-friendly scene in Missouri, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. Enjoy outdoor fun with your pup at popular dog parks such as Tower Grove Park in St. Louis or Cosmo Park in Columbia. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the Missouri Rhineland Kennel Club Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Golden Retriever canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. With an estimated 1. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Golden Retriever breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Missouri. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Golden Retriever puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Golden Retriever puppy on TrustedPuppies. A healthy male Golden Retriever weighs between 65 to 75 pounds while growing up to 23 to 24 inches tall. A female weighs between 55 to 65pounds and can grow up to .How long does it take a Golden Retriever to reach its full size? For Golden Retrievers, full physical maturity takes one to two years. Once this is attained, its bones become fully grown and can perform the same amount of physical exercise as an adult dog. Do Golden Retrievers smell? Golden Retrievers often smell bad because of its thick water-resistant coat. You can, however, maintain its cleanliness to control its bad odor. How can you keep a Golden Retriever healthy? There are several ways to keep this dog healthy few of which are high-quality food, providing it with plenty of clean and freshwater, developing a good feeding schedule, etc. How many times a day should a Golden Retriever be fed? The required food for a Golden Retriever is dependent on its age, activity level, size and built. Vets recommend about 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food per day for two meals. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? This dog is a sporting breed and therefore requires a whole lot of exercise when fully grown, high-intensity exercise is very beneficial to it. Is it alright to get a Golden Retriever in a hot climate? The Golden Retriever can thrive well in hot climates; all it requires is a shaded and aerated area with lots of water. However, it should not be allowed to exercise too much in the heat. What age can a Golden Retriever Puppy be brought home? A puppy Retriever should not be taken from its mother earlier than when it is 8 weeks old. This is because up until that age, it gets important socialization and learns important skills from its mother and siblings. Should a Golden Retriever be left indoors or outdoors? A Golden Retriever naturally wants to be with its family, if its family is indoor, you will find it right there with them. Does a Golden Retriever bark a lot? The Golden Retriever is not one to bark a lot except in cases of boredom or mental stimulation. Are you interested in purchasing a Golden Retriever? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! However, whilst German Shepherds tend to have good temperaments, as puppies they use their mouths to learn and will bite anything in sight. In this guide I will explain how you can overcome German Shepherd puppy biting problems, despite the challenges involved. He has never been an aggressive biter, but he would nip a lot as a puppy. Unfortunately, a lot of the biting was down to me, as I would do rough play with him and almost encourage the nipping. But, as my puppy got older, those playful nips started to hurt. Please do take all my tips in, as I believe it to be the most detailed solution you will find for stopping a German Shepherd biting that you see anywhere on the Internet. But first, why do German Shepherds puppies bite you? Most will let you know they are scared with a little bark, letting you know to keep away. If you continue to advance and upset them, the growl can then become a snap and possible bite. But, with an older and more aggressive German Shepherd, that bite could be very painful, particularly to young children. Do German Shepherds bite a lot? When German Shepherd are puppies, they do tend to do a lot of biting. Why German Shepherd puppies bite? The teething phase is when you will notice your German Shepherd puppy biting the most. Some German Shepherds will also bite a bit too enthusiastically when they are playing with you. This is a hangover from their days with their siblings where mouth play would have been used. You can stop a German Shepherd biting you when they teethe by giving them things to chew on. Image licensed via Storyblocks. You need to draw the line between biting and playing. As mentioned earlier, I would play with my own puppy and he would go for my hands with his teeth. I turned this into a game, which then became an issue as I had to train him out of it as he got older. German Shepherd puppies can also bite as a way of showing their dominance over you. Whatever the reason is for your German Shepherd puppy biting, it needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. If not, you will have problems with your adult German Shepherd thinking that biting is acceptable. Also, if your German Shepherd suddenly starts biting for no obvious reason please go to the vet immediately — it could be the sign of a new illness or injury. How to stop your German Shepherd puppy from biting Here are different ways that really work if you need to know how you can stop a German Shepherd from biting as a puppy. Squeal like a puppy bite inhibition When you see puppies playing together in their litter, they will let out a tiny squealing sound when bitten by sibling. The puppy that bit will hear the squeal and then tends to back off. As German Shepherd owners we can imitate this behavior! If your German Shepherd puppy bites you and gives you a nip, make a high-pitched squeal sound. You might find your puppy seeks re-assurance and comfort, but the key is to not give it. Instead, ignore them for a few moments, for example; turn your back to them. This might sound mean but if you want your German Shepherd to stop biting it can work very well. The quicker you begin using this technique the sooner your German Shepherd will biting you and your family. All it will do is make your dog scared and could lead to more biting out of fear. I made this mistake with my own puppy, as would push him away playfully, but that just encouraged the biting more. They will want more of the play, so will bite back again. But you are training them into thinking your hands are fair game. Instead you should use chew toys for this type of play. If you can focus their attention onto a toy and not your hands, they will learn that fingers and hands are not there to be bitten. You can also see the prices by clicking the photo below. Puppies will often eat things they should not do, so you will need to hook stuff out of their mouth. You will also need to check the health of their teeth and gums. One of the best ways you can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite your fingers in their mouth is to use a treat or snack. Let them see it, and then use your fingers to pop it into their mouth and out again. Over time, they should get comfortable letting you put fingers in their mouth without biting back. Train your German Shepherd puppy to not bite over food One of the most common times a German Shepherd puppy will bite is when food is in the equation. Puppies tend to be very overprotective of food, which they learned when in the litter as they had to fight for nutrition. Unfortunately, it will be behavior that can extend to occur over their food bowl. If your German Shepherd is showing food aggression, then you need to train the puppy to learn you are in charge and can pick their bowl up and put it back down at any time — with no aggression from the dog. Handy Hint: Here are some ways you can teach your dog to not steal from the table or start begging you for food. What you do is put a bowl in front of your German Shepherd then quickly remove it again. Dog trainers tell you to do the loud squeal when the German Shepherd puppy bites you then quickly place your thumb in their mouth, pressing it underneath their tongue. You can then put a finger under the chin. Hold this position for 10 seconds if you can, but not hard enough to hurt the puppy. The German Shepherd will not like it, and it could mean they stop biting you and will learn for next time. Let your German Shepherd know you are in charge Older German Shepherds that bite will often do it to try to exert dominance over their owner. They can also bite due to jealousy, or when you tell them to do something like get off your chair or bed. You need to train your German Shepherd to realize you are the pack leader and the dominant one. Alphas like us owners, should not be bitten by pack members lower down the chain. Being assertive will help, but often simply rewarding good behavior is enough to get a dog to bend to your will. Socialise your German Shepherd puppy with other dogs Puppies will learn from each other and older dogs. We often look after puppies for our friends. Our friends will often say what a positive impact they see in their young pups after spending a day in the company of our now older dog. And that can include not as much biting. The sooner they can get used to things like this, the sooner they should learn not to bite out of fear. Keep your German Shepherd on a leash when exposing them to new things and noises. Always supervise your puppy when young children are present A German Shepherd that bites a child is a massive problem. There are also specialist animal behaviourists who can help with biting and fear aggression in German Shepherds. Something to consider though is how long your German Shepherd could be teething for. It can last up until they are 8 months of age, so biting and chewing things is to be expected during this phase. The dangers of a dog bite Adult German Shepherds that start biting can be dangerous. Whilst they are a small breed, people can get ill from infections. For example, around half of all dog bites will infect the person with bacteria, possibly leading to illness. The result is an open, jagged wound. If the wound becomes infected, it is often severe. The No. You may need hospitalization and require intravenous antibiotics. What do so when bitten by a German Shepherd If you get bitten by a German Shepherd and it leaves a bleeding wound rather than just an abrasion, take the following steps: Press down on the bite wound. This might mean that blood comes out, but that is good as it might help bacteria to come away from the wound. Use clean water and a mild soup to clean the bite wound. Use a clean cloth to press down on the bite wound again as this will help to slow and stop any bleeding. If you have it, apply antibiotic cream to the dog bite wound and then dress it with a new or sterile bandage. If serious, contact a health professional for advice. Conclusion To conclude, some of the quickest ways you can stop a German Shepherd from biting is to make sure you use positive and negative affirmations. In other words, you praise the good, and discourage the bad. Whichever method you try to use, and can be a combination, just make sure that you are consistent when training your German Shepherd puppy to not bite. Tell your friends and family to use the same methods too if they have contact with the puppy. Ultimately, unless you a clear and obvious to your German Shepherd, the puppy will not understand that his biting behavior is a bad thing. You need to take the role of the pack leader. You might also like…. An aggressive pound dog pouncing on you can get quite ugly fast. Think broken bones, damaged muscles, deep lacerations, bruises, scars, and expensive medical bills. German Shepherds have a bite force of PSI pound-force per square inch, or the measure of strength that a bite inflicts on the victim , compared to humans with a bite force of PSI. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association lists the German Shepherd as one of the six breeds with the most dangerous bites, based on a US study. Therefore, training your GSD to inhibit her bite is mandatory as it not only rewards you with a well-behaved dog, but also ensures your safety as well as the safety of the people around you. A crucial step towards correcting this nasty behavior is to first understand why German Shepherd puppies bite. Nipping or biting stems from various reasons. Understanding the root of the behavior will equip you with the proper corresponding countermeasures to correct it. German Shepherds Have a High Prey Drive One of the primary and distinct characteristics thatmake a German Shepherd a popular choice for police and military work is their high prey drive, coupled with their intelligence and high trainability. Take a look at the video below showing what GSDs were originally bred for. GSDs also have a natural inclination to chase almost everything that moves in their surroundings. They Are Teething As early as two weeks old, the baby teeth of pups start to come out. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is to be expected. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is six months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. Teething is very uncomfortable for puppies and can lead to sore gums, so puppies turn to anything to chew to soothe the discomfort. Unfortunately, this can include biting you! They May Be Taken From the Litter Too Early Young puppies learn to naturally inhibit their biting through socialization with their mother and their siblings. A puppy does not quite understand yet the force of her own bite unless she bites too hard and the recipient reacts by yelping out of pain. Taking a puppy away from her mother prematurely will therefore deprive her the chance to learn important socialization skills. As a rule of thumb, the American Kennel Club AKC recommends that you take home a puppy that is no less than eight weeks old. By this time, the puppy should have had ample time to interact with her playmates and learn bite inhibition. We concur that you should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in the U. This does not mean, however, that your puppy will completely stop nipping. As the new parent, it is your job to continue training the dog so that any subsequent bites should be gentler. For more on selecting the right German Shepherd puppy from a litter, including additional information on the proper age, what to look for in a puppy, and what to expect from ethical breeders, be sure to check out the 2 articles linked below: How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide The Puppy Might Be Overstimulated, Fearful, or Anxious Sometimes puppies lose control of their bite because of overstimulation. Overstimulation can happen during playtime, or when your puppy has become cranky due to teasing. Your GSD puppy may also bite out of fear. Your puppy has but 2 defenses — to run away or to bite. If your puppy feels cornered, then biting is the defense that she will most often resort to. Because biting is normal canine behavior and GSDs are a breed that is more prone to it, the goal here is to inhibit the bite, not completely stop it. Do Start Training Early We keep mentioning throughout this site that training and socializing your GSD as soon as you get her home is crucial. Although training older dogs is not impossible, it is true that it is easier to train younger puppies, when habits are still new and can be easily corrected. If left untrained, adult German Shepherds can be prone to aggression towards other animals and humans, which can result in tragic situations. To get a better understanding of what is involved with these necessary steps, be sure to read these 2 excellent articles: German Shepherd Training Guide: All You Need to Know Do Use Toys as Alternative Items to Chew Puppies will nib on your hands or your feet especially during the teething stage. Train this behavior away by offering the puppy a toy whenever she starts biting your hand or your ankles. This teaches her what is acceptable to bite and which is not. It is good practice to always keep a chew toy nearby in anticipation of the biting behavior. She needs to understand that biting ends playtime and that it does not give her anything in return. In the Alpha Roll , the human pins down the dog on the floor on his side or back and holds that position to exert dominance. Besides, it has also been proven in many studies that dogs have very different behavior from wolves. Pinning your dog will cause him to freeze out of fear, which can also turn into aggression. It also teaches your dog that physical touch is something to be feared. Nobody wants to be punished by hand, not humans and certainly not dogs either. Do Reward Good Behavior Dog trainers and experts agree that positive reinforcement using rewards are highly effective in forming and keeping desirable behaviors as a puppy matures into an adult dog. If her nose touches your fingers without biting them, give her a treat and praise generously. Hold off the treat if she bites. Do this repeatedly until she associates the treat the reward with not biting your hand the good behavior. In fact, most dog bite cases in children occurred because of teasing! Instead, teach your child to be gentle with your pet , as even unintentional rough play can result in unwanted events. Dogs get cranky too, especially when they get hurt or feel that their privacy is being invaded. Never leave your child alone with your puppy unattended. Supervise their interactions at all times. Studies show that parents trust their dog around their kids too much that they overlook the signs that the dog is in distress. For tug games, keep in mind, however, that your dog must be calm and not overstimulated before playing. Otherwise, your puppy may get too serious and hold on to the rope too much. The AKC recommends that for breeds that are prone to aggression such as German Shepherds, tug-of-war can be safely carried out if the puppy knows you are in control and follows your commands. Once this has been established, a game of tugging can be used both as an exercise and as a reward for your dog. When playing, always remember to be gentle with tugging as your puppy still has baby teeth! By doing this, you are also socializing your puppy with other animals — an essential skill to learn for a well-rounded behavior. That being said, do not completely write off playing with your puppy! Playtime is still an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog, but make sure to keep it safe and fun by establishing boundaries. This method, however, is a matter of trial and error. Some puppies respond to this positively. On the other hand, many puppies get aroused by this and become even more aggressive. If you yelp and she stops biting without expressing any signs of aggression, the method has perhaps worked. You are then free to continue doing so until the puppy learns to stop biting hard. On the other hand, temper tantrums, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , are characterized by a stiff body, lips pulled back to show teeth, and growling. Biting will be more forceful and painful, since the behavior is typically caused by fear or anger. A German Shepherd puppy may be more prone to displaying this behavior, especially around unruly children. Bite inhibition is crucial especially among German Shepherds, a breed that is widely reported to be the culprit of many dog bites in America. Bite inhibition is simply one of the many important skills that your GSD must learn during her training. It can spell the difference between gentle playing and aggressive biting that leads to serious injuries. Always remember that dogs have feelings, too. They are not perfect little angels that never get angry. Even the most well-mannered dog in the world will snap out of irritation. While still young, ensure that the German shepherd is trained enough. It is required that you know how to train a German shepherd puppy not to bite. Puppies usually learn bite inhibition during play with other puppies. Puppies also bite each other all over. Every now and then, a pup will bite his playmate too hard. The victim of the painful bite yelps and usually stops playing. However, pretty soon, both playmates are back in the game. Through this kind of interaction, puppies learn to control the intensity of their bites so that no one gets hurt and the play can continue without interruption. If puppies can learn how to be gentle from each other, they can also learn the same lesson from people. There are several ways in how to train a German shepherd puppy not to bite. If you are trying to train your dog to behave and stop biting, make sure you are doing it with consistency and repetition. While training a German shepherd, you will need to repeat your technique several times until it starts to learn. Your German shepherd needs to know that biting is not acceptable and will upset you. If your dog is doing well and following your orders, do not forget to offer it a treat. Food treats are a kind of reward that you offer your dog only when it learns something. Make sure you have enough treats with you when you are training your pup. This way your German shepherd will learn that no biting means a yummy treat. These are the simple tips that we provides in our how to train a German shepherd puppy not to bite. A German shepherd is a natural boss, and will fight you for this position if you show weakness. In the first place, you should dissuade this conduct. You should stay firm and act appropriately as the leader of your household. Be commanding when it comes to your pet. An older dog may have been raised poorly. You could make your puppy stop biting by completely ignoring him when he bites. German shepherd can be taught if the owner is dedicated. 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Merle Pure White A lot of people are arguing that the purely white German Shepherd is a crossbreed while others are labeling them as Albinos and some are even saying white GSDs can be healthy purebreds. Apart from whether or not purely white GSDs exist as crossbreeds and possibly as purebreds, Albinism is definitely a possibility. Solid Gray Unlike sable or the black and silver GSD, the solid gray German Shepherd does not exist in the show or even the working line world. In the show ring, solid gray is considered to be a serious fault. Many people make the mistake to refer to their sable or silver GSD as gray though, so be aware of that. Liver Liver-colored dogs are often seen with a pink nose. This brownish coat color is moving somewhere along the lines of the tan, red, and cream shades. Solid red As the word suggests, this coat type is not black and red but a fully red German Shepherd instead. Isabella types can be very light and might just be a ploy to disguise a white or even albinistic dog. These colors are extremely unusual among German Shepherds and not commonly seen and not desirable either in most cases. Spotted Black and White Another major pet website that features what seems to be a different breed under this color type. There is no spotted black and white German Shepherd in the sense that this color type implies. Australian Kelpies do have this beautiful coat color though. Black and white GSDs, some mixed with brown, as well as sable patterns with the resemblance to a Panda. Merle The merle gene does not exist among German Shepherd lines in a natural form. German Shepherd Coat Types All these colors come in various coat types. Depending on your climate, you might opt for the shorter or longer version. A double coat is typical and consists of a dense outer coat and a softer undercoat. While the breed is generally easy to maintain, weekly brushing is required. Shedding season can be a disaster for some dog owners, especially those with long-haired German Shepherds. A proper diet, exercise, etc. Let me know what color your German Shepherd has or what you think is the most beautiful color on GSDs in the comments. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Some owners refer to them as black and champagne or fawn. Also, when a white German Shepherd has red in its background, it shows up as a cream color. It is possible for particular black and cream German Shepherd puppies to grow into a black and tan look as they get older. Still, you cannot guarantee how the colors will shift or if they will change in the first place. Dog shows aside, black and cream dogs do not have the same intimidating look as darker dogs and can make for great gateway pets for those looking to adopt their first dog but find the alternative looks more intimidating. Ideal for: Households with young children can adopt black and cream puppies as these GSDs are easier to accept for little kids. Black All Black German Shepherds have no shot at dog shows but are much better at something else: guarding. This perception comes with the added assumption that your black German Shepherd is well-trained to deal with intruders. Even though these dogs are great at discouraging intruders, they have excellent temperaments and empathy to be family dogs. Black GSDs are not more aggressive than other varieties. Unlike solid black, most puppies only show their actual color weeks after birth. They also make shedding less annoying as the black hairs are less visible. A recessive gene causes the black color. Some black dogs have gold eyes, as shown in the image. Large houses are also perfect spacious places where such dogs must exhaust their excess energy. A bi-color features two colors, one of which is often black. Most will appear all black with brown feet or legs, as shown in the image. The AKC pioneered this categorization and is most relevant to dog shows where solid colors and bi-color dogs are judged differently. Depending on the specifics of the color, the dog-and-owner fit can vary. Sable Sable is a pattern often seen as color because of its visual impact. The sable color is named after the mammal sable, which also has a similar color. This type of German Shepherd has black peppered across its fur, giving a deeply crimson color that looks nearly indistinguishable from black and liver. The sable coat pattern appears visibly black as each hair has a black tip. Sable colors include black sable, gray sable, tan sable, red sable, and silver sable. If you like the look of this color pattern, head over to this article to learn loads more about this gorgeous variety; Sable German Shepherd. Ideal for: This shepherd dog is best for those living in sun-kissed suburbs where the true color of sable German Shepherds shines. White Featuring the look of a bleached wolf, the all-white German Shepherd is entirely white and represents quite the irony. It is often purchased because of its exotic looks but is also seen as flawed enough to disqualify from the show ring. In other words, it represents the positive and the negative results of judging dogs by their looks, where they are simultaneously loved and discriminated against because of their color. Given that the first German Shepherd was black, this dog is visually the farthest from its ancestors. There is often a misconception that this type is a mixed breed. However, the white German Shepherd is definitely purebred. Ideal for: Families with young toddlers can benefit from getting a non-intimidating dog. This leaves behind bi-color German Shepherds featuring black and a specific hue of tan that gives an overall deep gray look. Ruskin House of Shepherds They are often gray sable. However, many gray dogs have no black pigmentation, differentiating them from the sable. They have an aesthetic appearance and can tip top between work and show, though they are best kept as multifunctional pets. They look intimidating enough for strangers but acceptable even for younger children who have never had a big dog as a family pet. Nonetheless, they are pretty rare, so you may have to find a specialized breeder to adopt one. The color is rare because it is improbable to guarantee when breeding a single blue stud and rare to occur spontaneously. And the ones who breed rare GSDs only charge a lot per puppy. Since blue is a manifestation of black, it can appear in all German Shepherd looks that feature the black color. Therefore, these dogs are bred mainly in the working line, where black and tan are the most common colors. That makes blue and tan the most common bi-color look of blue German Shepherds. Ideal for: Individuals looking for an exotic, rare dog with a story would love to have a blue German Shepherd. Liver Liver as a color term is used almost exclusively to describe dark brown dogs. The shades of dark brown can vary, but the term stands. It is no different for German Shepherds, who are also categorized as a liver for being dark brown. With black not really being seen as color — white as a complete lack of color, brown has the best shot of getting the highest points for color richness — except in the show world. This is because the American Kennel Club sees livers as faults, and they cannot enter the show ring. However, liver German Shepherds are highly sought-after, making them some of the priciest German Shepherds to acquire. Still, their price is artificially inflated because of demand. Ideal for: Those who love the deep brown aesthetic will love a liver German Shepherd. Liver and Tan As mentioned earlier, German Shepherds with liver parents are pretty often liver-colored. While mutations did occur to manifest this look into the otherwise black line of GSDs, the genes of these dogs are relatively stable, making them great studs. Ideal for: Owners with prominently brown wardrobes can get a kick by extending their color preference to their dogs. Isabella Isabella German Shepherds face the same ironic fate as white GSDs, where they are simultaneously admired and acquired for their beauty yet disqualified or marked down from shows for their looks. Similar to liver dogs, the AKC views them as a fault. Isabella GSDs look lavender-flavored cappuccino in that they are a light lilac color. They have a distinctly feminine appearance regardless of gender and can make a beautiful addition to the family. Because of their non-threatening looks, they are readily accepted in suburban communities, whereas new pets can often get scrutinized unfairly. Isabella GSDs are rare because they come from a combination of recessive traits that might not even manifest in studs. Studs often have desirable dominant features, including rich colors. The Isabella color comes from the combination of liver and blue, one of which is rarely used for breeding. This leaves room only for blue genes to pass through non-blue studs, which is not entirely likely. Ideal for: Those who want to make a statement with one of the rarest German Shepherds will be satisfied with an Isabella dog. However, they better be willing to pay the premium. You cannot have a Sable Shepherd without having reddish fur. But the distribution of red and black or silver and a lot of black is what matters: the lighter coat makes up the backdrop over which the darker fur is peppered. Ruskin House of Shepherds Sable shepherds are rarely sable all over, and portions of their body feature only one of the two colors that make up their sable pattern. In other words, given black and red as primary sable-makers, these dogs are more likely to be black and sable or red and sable. Sometimes you can get a rarer color sable, such as the liver sable in the image. Brindle German Shepherds are the closest to sable in that they also consist of one color peppered across another in tiger stripes or a marbled pattern. Instagram: alastian. Black is far more prominent, and these dogs are the closest to the second generation of German Shepherds. Panda A Panda German Shepherd looks like a white or bi-color dog who tried to apply eye shadow for the first time. The area around their eyes is black, reminiscent of a panda. They have white color featured across their chest, limbs, feet, and tail tip, similar to a Border Collie. Panda Shepherds do not have any other similarities with the panda; the dog has an active temperament compared to the lazy panda. The gene is dominant, meaning it only takes one parent to replicate the pattern. It is also seen as a fault for conformation. My German Shepherd Pup Willow Still, getting a German Shepherd puppy with many white spots is a risk if you plan to enter him in a dog show as an adult. But if you do not care about dog shows, the white markings can be charming. It is rarer to find white spotting in black GSDs. These spots are more common in black and red, black and cream, black and tan, and liver variations. However, they blended in with her adult coat in time. A German Shepherd can have a black, blue, silver, or brown saddle though other colors are not definitively excluded. Saddle-back German Shepherds have to be bi-color by definition because the saddle is visible only in contrast with another, often lighter, color. Blanket The blanket is yet another pattern independent of color. Just like with saddle GSDs, being bicolor is a prerequisite just to spot the blanket. The saddle pattern has a better shot at dog shows between saddle German Shepherds and blanket ones. Since the blanket is dark, dogs with this pattern have an intimidating presence and are often used by the police and protective patrols. This makes them excellent guard dogs as they carry the same connotations. Mask Mask refers to the face of a German Shepherd with visible contrast in the face compared to the surrounding region. On the one side, they can have black fur over their faces, which gives the appearance of a mask, but the rest of their body can feature stripes brindle or the sable pattern. This study of dogs with colored masks found that the mask is caused by a specific allele referred to as a melanistic mask. Mask German Shepherds have a unique appeal, which makes people go to great lengths to acquire them. The mask is almost always black. In case the mask is a lighter color, it is categorized differently. The area around the mouth can be lighter, making the German Shepherd look more like a wolf. Some reverse masks also have a dark stripe down the muzzle, as in the image shown. Needless to say, these German Shepherds can be pricey simply because of their resemblance with wolves. They also are intimidating again because of this similarity. All the connotations they have with wolves, and their wildness come in handy when scaring away intruders. However, this is a myth, as they are as easy or difficult to raise as regular dogs. To breed them, you must have both the mother and the father, who carry the same reverse mask look. Like the masked variety, German Shepherds with a reverse mask can have other patterns as the mask or the reverse has to do with their faces. Speaking of wolves, the closest a GSD can come to having a wolf-like appearance is to have a reverse mask look and be a blanketed silver sable. The rarest color of German Shepherd is Isabella, which is also known as lilac. Not only is this color visually appealing, but it is also difficult to predict when breeding. The recessive blue and liver getting combined are not very likely, which makes almost all Isabella shepherds pleasant surprises. Getting a lilac shepherd from a reputable breeder is advisable because unscrupulous breeders may repeatedly breed puppies and neglect the non-isabella dogs hoping to profit from the lilac pups. Black is prominent across most variations of GSDs. From black and tan, often working lines, to black and red for showing, most German Shepherds have a hint of black. If you are looking for the most common overall color of a German Shepherd, the two that come out on top are black and red and black and tan. The show line dog of this bicolor look will be the cheapest yet will command a price significantly higher than a working dog of the same pair of colors. Some German Shepherd colors, such as blue and white, are controversial because they have been linked to genetic health issues, such as skin problems and deafness. Breeders who prioritize these colors over health can perpetuate these issues. Yes, the color of a German Shepherd puppy can be predicted based on the colors of the parents and the genetic inheritance of the color genes. By understanding the basics of color genetics, breeders can make educated guesses about the colors of their puppies. Do German Shepherds Change Color? German Shepherds do change color, especially if they are bicolor. This happens when they mature and shed certain colored fur but never grow it back. The color change is most prominent in brindle GSDs and sable shepherds, as the decrease in one shade of fur leads to a change in the overall look of the dog. No, the color of a German Shepherd does not affect its temperament. Temperament is determined by genetics and upbringing, not color. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are descendants of dark dogs but have come a long way since they were first shown as the perfect cross between beautiful and work-ready. GSD colors can vary from lighter ones like the rare Isabella all the way to solid black. The pattern variations include mask, sable, brindle stripes, and saddle, whereas colors can be solid or pair from the pool of black, red, tan, blue, silver, cream, liver, white, and gray. With over 30 years of experience working with dogs, this former Police Officer has seen it all. Find her on Linkedin! Blue and liver are considered among the rare GSD colors, but even less common are blonde German Shepherds. What is a Blonde German Shepherd? Instead, the color of their coats is closer to that of a Golden Retriever or a Yellow Labrador. These are phaeomelanin and eumelanin. By default, eumelanin produces the color black while phaeomelanin produces the color red. Genes modify these pigments to produce a wide variety of coat colors. For example, gene dilution in the eumelanin pigment can produce liver or blue german shepherds. On the other hand, phaeomelanin can produce red in different shades. Genes can also influence it to produce orange, gold, and yellow coats. Some speculate that blonde GSDs might come from white parents. However, white coloring in canines is caused by the absence of pigment. So, genetically, white coats cannot become blonde. A study published by the Journal of Heredity in could be a clue to this incredibly unusual color. According to the research, the genotype ee at the MC1R gene produces the cream color in German Shepherds. How Rare is the Blonde German Shepherd? Blonde German Shepherds are remarkably rare because it takes a very unusual genetic combination to produce such offspring. Additionally, it is not among the coat colors that are considered desirable in show dogs. So, professional breeders are not motivated to produce them. Breeders also fear that blonde GSDs might bring up doubts about their pedigrees not being purebred. Are Blonde German Shepherds Purebred? When a blonde GSD puppy is the product of two purebred parents, the puppy is undeniably purebred. The color of its coat might be unusual, but it is only caused by a unique genetic combination and not because it is a crossbreed. Nevertheless, blonde-coated German Shepherds can also be mixed-breed dogs. They retain the general appearance of the German Shepherd parent but the coloring of the other breed. This is the reason why there can be speculation about whether Blonde GSDs are purebred in some instances. Apart from their color, these dogs are exactly what you would expect from a typical German Shepherd. As long as they are purebred, blonde German Shepherds will have the same build and general appearance as their GSD parents. They will also have the same grooming requirements. Additionally, you can expect their personality, temperament, and intelligence level to be comparable to any other dog of the same breed. Owning one means you need to be ready to offer strong leadership and take the time to socialize, train, and mentally stimulate your dog. The closest color it recognizes is white, but even that is considered a serious fault. So, blonde German Shepherds would not be allowed to enter conformation events. Because they are such athletic dogs, they are expected to perform well in canine sports such as Agility , Flyball , and Dock Diving. How Much is a Blonde German Shepherd? Because they are so rare, there is no documented average pricing for blonde-coated German Shepherd puppies. No, blonde and albino German Shepherds are vastly different from one another. Blondeness is a dilution in the red coloring. On the other hand, albinism is caused by the absence of the pigment eumelanin. An albino dog will not just have a completely white coat but also a pink nose and eye rims. Eye color is also affected, where it turns out to be light blue or, rarely, red. Final Thoughts Owning a blonde German Shepherd will definitely be a unique experience because they are incredibly rare. If you are not quite sure that the blonde GSD is your best option, you might also want to check out liver-colored , black , panda , or blue German Shepherds. Black and Tan This is the color most of us think of when we picture a German Shepherd dog. With a rich tan undercarriage and a black face and back, this color of GSD has been around since the very first was officially registered back in Germany at the end of the 19th century. Although Horand von Grafrath was a little darker than the modern black and tan GSD, the ancestry is evident. With their luxurious white coats, these pale dogs look more like Golden Retrievers with erect ears. Despite their popularity, like the white German Shepherd, the blue has been a cause of controversion in the Shepherd world because recessive dilution gene comes with inbreeding practices and health issues. Blue German Shepherds may appear gray or even silver and are sometimes mistaken for a Blue Belgian Malinois. Isabella This unusual coat color variation is another washout as far the AKC is concerned, which is a shame given how striking it is. It originates from genetically combining liver and blue dilution genes. Like the liver and blue German Shepherd dogs, Isabella GSDs often have unusual eye coloring and different colored noses. Liver German Shepherds will usually have a brown nose. Blue German Shepherds have a blue nose. There is no evidence that the Isabella coloration makes the dog more susceptible to health issues. However, Isabella is a recessive trait. Selecting for recessive traits always limits the gene pool and makes dogs more susceptible to genetic conditions. Grey Not to be confused with the silver, black, or blue German Shepherds, the gray variety look more wolf-like with their dark coats. Some breeders specialize in producing dogs of this unusual color. Silver Similar to the gray German Shepherd, silver is nevertheless recognized as a distinct color. Often grouped together, however, the gray and silver colors are produced by the same genes. Finding a breeder that specializes in silver German Shepherds is a lot easier than finding one that focuses on the grey, so this might be your best bet if you want a more exotic-looking companion. Silver is an uncommon color for GSDs, possibly because it is a recessive gene. Similar to the dilution gene, this gene influences black pigment. While you also get silver sable German Shepherds, the patterned coats mean they are categorized as sable rather than silver. However, silver German Shepherds are often seen in military work or the police force. The red color is the result of the color gene pheomelanin. It can have any shade of red, ranging from strawberry blonde to a deep mahogany red. Alongside black and tan, the black and red combination is preferred over others by German Shepherd breeders. As black and red are both produced by dominant genes, this color combination is easier to breed for, and many breeders focus on producing purebred dogs with deep red coloring. Sable A classic color for the German Shepherd, a sable comes in a variety of colors but each hair sports a black tip. Sable GSDs can be black, gray, red, silver, or tan and are also known as agouti. Agouti is a type of coloring also present in other dogs, like the Agouti Husky. In this coloring each hair has several bands of brown and black, leading to a typical wolf-like coloration. Some founding members of the German Shepherd breed believed this should be the only color present in German Shepherds. Black sables are born as all-black pups and tri-colored sables are born as black and tan puppies. As the puppy ages, their coloring changes. Some GSDs may take as long as three years to develop their final sable coloration. As every sable GSD is different, with the color and pattern both varying, it makes for an eye-catching and unique dog. Sable is a dominant color that is easy to breed for. If you breed a Sable German Shepherd to any other color, you will likely get sable puppies. Black and Silver Much like the black and tan GSD, a black and silver German Shepherd usually has a silver saddle across its back, although the pattern and hue both vary from dog to dog. Like the silver GSD, the black and silver coloration occurs only when the recessive intensity suppression gene is present. This color is not common in the AKC show ring and can mostly be found in working dog lines. Because these dogs are not visible in the dark, it is highly advisable to only walk them on a light-up dog collar in the evenings and at night. Bicolor Bicolor German Shepherds appear almost completely black and, to fit the breed standard, must have black heads, back, legs and tail. Even if their paws are brown, the heels need to be black by the color standard definition. However, the AKC accepts bicolor as a recessive color in the breed. Though technically allowed in the show ring, these dogs are mostly found in working lines. Black and Cream The last official color on our list, the black and cream GSD remains true to its origins as a lighter version of the common red and tan coloring. There is some controversy surrounding the black and cream variation. Most AKC breeders do not want them to participate in the show ring. They strive to breed darker dogs that do not show the light cream coloring. The color does little to change their character, however, and black and cream GSDs excel obedience, nosework, rally and agility and are as loyal and brave as their black and tan cousins. Her DNA proved them wrong, although the Panda coloration remains unrecognized by some kennel clubs and breeders. The Panda GDS is created by a rare genetic mutation. The genes responsible for an all-white body and the patchy white are two different ones. This does not stop them from being popular however! There is a large demand for Panda-colored German Shepherds. Unfortunately, this inflates the price and leads breeders to focus on the color mutation rather than genetic health, so be sure to only source a puppy from a reputable breeder. Albino An albino German Shepherd is incredibly rare. An albino of any species or breed lacks any pigmentation, including of the skin, hair, and eyes as well as the blood vessels, resulting in a pinkish tinge. You can distinguish an albino German Shepherd from a white one by checking his eyes and nose. A White GDS will have some pigmentation resulting in brown eyes, whereas albinos always have red or pink eyes. An Albino GSD, should one exist, may experience other health problems associated with the condition. They may, for example, be photosensitive, requiring protection from direct sunlight. What is the Rarest Color of the German Shepherd? The rarest color of German Shepherd is the isabella due to the recessive combination of liver and blue. You will have to search for a long time to get such a puppy — and his price will likely be high as well! What is the Best Color for a German Shepherd? The best color for a German Shepherd in the show ring is black and tan, followed by sable. If you are not planning on showing your dog through the AKC, you can pick any color you like. This is not based on any actual working abilities though and more of a myth that has been passed on through generations. What is the Original Color of a German Shepherd? As German Shepherd dogs were bred as working dogs, the original breeders focused on temperature rather than appearance. The original color of working German Shepherds was sable. The most traditional color in the show ring is black and tan. While you should pick the coloring you like the most, make sure to not just choose your dog based on his looks. German Shepherds are prone to developing back and hip issues. Before buying a puppy for his color, make sure that his breeder selects for health first and color second! Otherwise you might end up with a puppy with great color but poor health … which is never a good thing. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day. A rich diversity of lengths, colors and pigment—combined with a number of varying body types—make the German Shepherd one of the more structurally diverse of all dog breeds. From the short stock coat of the East German working line dogs to the extreme long stock coat of some West German show-line dogs—there is a shape, style and color tailored to you and your lifestyle. There are three main types of hair on German Shepherd Dogs: ground hair undercoat , guard hair topcoat and whiskers. Dogs with both an undercoat and a topcoat are called double coated. The first layer, or undercoat, functions primarily as insulation and is soft and usually of a lighter color. The second layer, or topcoat, consists of thick-shafted, coarse hair. It also has weatherproofing qualities ideal for working and playing outdoors. With rare exception, most German Shepherds have double coats—though the degree of undercoat can vary widely. German Shepherds can have little to almost no undercoat or have massively dense, woolly undercoats that require daily maintenance. Double coats are ideal for maintaining warmth in colder months, but also provide cooling in the summer by keeping heat away from the surface of the skin. For this reason, the shaving of double-coated dogs is not recommended if they have prolonged exposure to the elements. Their coat helps regulate body temperature and protects their skin from harmful UV rays. Shedding German Shepherds, aka German Shedders, shed and shed a lot. Working dogs are required to do their jobs regardless of weather or terrain. To keep their coats in optimum condition—daily, excessive shedding is needed. Unfortunately for us, this means additional brushing and bathing. If you do not own a good vacuum cleaner or sweeper, you will need to purchase one if you have one or more German Shepherds inside your home. In the spring, their thick winter undercoat is shed and replaced with a thinner, cooler undercoat. In the fall, their summer undercoat is shed and replaced by a thicker, warmer undercoat. Care and Grooming Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Bathe and groom puppies frequently so they learn to enjoy—or at least tolerate—the experience. Most German Shepherds enjoy a good grooming and since most love water in any form , bathing can also be a pleasurable experience for them. Daily brushing and frequent bathing are your best defenses against excessive shedding. Brushing Most double-coated breeds like German Shepherds need to be brushed regularly—especially if they have a thick undercoat. In the spring and fall when their coats are being blown, daily brushing is important. This helps reduce the amount of hair inside your home and removes their undercoat more quickly. While regular brushing is great for removing loose and dying hair, it also gets rid of mats and tangles—which are common with long- and medium-length coats. Mats are not only unsightly, but they can be painful due to their closeness and tightness to the skin. In southern parts of the country where humidity is high, mats can also lead to skin irritations as the dampness can encourage the growth of skin irritants and other microbes. Check your German Shepherd often for mats—paying special attention to areas behind the ears, between the legs and along the back of the thighs. If your dog is a short stock coat with little undercoat, occasional brushing and bathing is all that is required to keep their coats looking great. Click HERE to learn about elbow hygromas and options for treating and prevent them. Keep your German Shepherd's elbows soft and free of calluses and hygromas. Calming bed for dogs who suffer from anxiety. Water resistant and tear resistant cover. Non-skid bottom. Replacement covers available separately. This short coat, with a thin undercoat, is easy to maintain and can require little or infrequent grooming. Bathing is a breeze as their coats are designed for waterproofing and dry quickly. Water generally rolls off of the guard hairs of German Shepherd Dogs. For all of these reasons and more, short stock coats are the preferred coat type for service dogs, police dogs and military dogs. The dog pictured to the right is an excellent example of a very nice, healthy coated, short stock coat—with minimal undercoat. Medium stock coats have longer, thicker hair on the neck, underbelly and along the back of the thighs. Their undercoat tends to be more dense than that seen in the short stock coats of West and East German working lines. Medium stock coats require additional grooming to keep their coats in optimum condition. Note also that medium- and long-coated dogs do not shed more than their short stock-coat counterparts—the hair shed is just longer. Hair around the face, ears, chest, bottom line and back of thigh panties can exceed four inches in length. This coat requires regular care and grooming. Hair, especially behind the ears and between their rear legs, is prone to matting, and requires daily brushing. The American Kennel Club AKC is one of the few show organizations that still considers a long stock coat to be faulty. Long stock-coat dogs are not only accepted by most German Shepherd Club organizations, including the German SV, but they have become valuable and sought after in recent years—and compete at the highest levels in Germany and world wide. Note also that these coats often continue to grow in length and density with age, so older dogs require additional daily care and grooming. All coat colors and lengths mentioned above are attributes of purebred German Shepherds. However, some breed organizations consider certain characteristics to be breed faults and can be penalized or even disqualifying in the show ring. However, if you plan to show your dog, you will need to study the standard and requirements of your desired show organization s to ensure your dog is eligible to compete and title in the show ring. But the German Shepherd of today actually comes in a variety of colors and patterns as pictured above. The color of their coat is determined by genetic makeup. Genes that are dominant are more common, while those that are recessive are more rare. Black and Tan This is the most common color pattern—which is usually black all over, with tan or cream-colored chest, shoulders, legs and thighs. There are many color variations to this pattern, most commonly—black and red, black and cream and black and silver. Bicolor Another variation to the traditional black-and-tan colored dog are bicolored dogs. Their bodies are predominantly black with a secondary accent color on the lower legs that can be tan, cream, gray or silver. All of these black areas, also called points, on the legs and toes should be richly pigmented. A dog is not considered to be bicolored unless it has these distinctive black markings and they can appear on both dual- and sable-patterned dogs. Sable The word sable means the color of black. The definition of a sable pattern refers to guard hairs being tipped with black. The more guard hairs and the longer the tipping, the darker the dog. Black sables are dogs with heavy tipping and less ground color. Agouti is a term that refers to the banding or grizzling of hair coloration that can be seen in varying amounts in the neck, shoulder, tail, croup and border markings in saddle-marked dogs. Some German Shepherds have so much grizzling in the black blanket or so much undercoat showing, that they are hard to distinguish from sables, and some sables that carry the partially-hidden, saddle-pattern recessive gene have so much of that recessive showing through that they look like washed-out saddles. Melanistic is another term associated with black coloring. Melanistic refers to the amount and density of melanin black pigment found within the hair shaft. Melanistic coloring refers to the masking of a color or pattern with black. Sable-colored German Shepherds are infamous for changing colors multiple times before reaching maturity. Adult dogs can have a completely different coloring and pattern then what was present as a puppy. No good dog is a bad color. Black is uncommon due to being a recessive gene but still prevalent within the breed. Typically, they are completely black with no other colors on the body. Solid White Solid white German Shepherds are not albinos. Their color is the result of a recessive gene that can be carried by any colored dog. When learning about pigment and color patterns, understand that white is not a color. There is no solid-color gene for white. The more pure white a dog, the lighter the color of its masked color underneath. Every white German Shepherd is really a traditional color and pattern covered by a white mask. The blue colors in these dogs replace the black areas of their more common black-and-tan counterparts. Blue dogs often appear as a dusty or somewhat light gray with a gray leather nose. Sometimes puppies are born with very light eyes as well. This, too, is a rare recessive gene and considered by the AKC to be a faulty eye color. Isabella An Isabella German Shepherd, aka lilac or mouse-gray German Shepherd, is the result of a recessive gene dilution giving them a washed-out silvery-blue color. The color is not technically a blue, however. The color is most widely recognized within the Weimaraner breed. Because Isabella German Shepherds are less common and considered faulty for showing purposes, there are fewer reputable and responsible breeders. Select your Isabella GSD breeder carefully and insist on thorough health testing information and lineage information. Liver Liver is another recessive gene leading to liver-colored offspring. In a liver-colored dog, all the black parts are a brown or liver color, ranging from light to dark shades. They might also have light eyes—which typically changes into a darker color with maturity. Panda The Panda German Shepherd is a piebold-colored dog meaning no more than 35 percent of its body is white with mixed patches of black and brown. Research confirms that this pattern is not the result of crossbreeding—but rather a genetic mutation. Ticking vs. Roan vs. Blue Merle Ticking is flecks or spots of color on white areas. Most ticked dogs are born white and develop ticking as they mature. Generally, ticking is heaviest on the legs and muzzle. Roan is a pattern of white and colored hairs evenly mixed over the white areas of the body. Roaning creates a near-solid pattern over a white coat causing a dog to appear dusted with white. If the predominant color of the dog is black, then the roaning can appear bluish in color. People sometimes confuse merle dogs with roan or ticked dogs. Merle dogs do not have a white base coat of color, however, some merle dogs are ticked. The genes responsible for ticking, roaning and merle are dominant so a purebred German Shepherd cannot produce these patterns without being crossed with a dog breed that carries the genes. As we can see from the images above, German Shepherds come in an array of coat colors and patterns—including saddle, blanket, bicolor, sable and solid colors. The organization does not, however, allow dogs of these colors to be shown in the conformation ring as these characteristics are faults according to the German Shepherd breed standard. Dogs carrying the liver gene or the recessive dilution gene that produces either Isabella or blue dogs also carry serious penalties in the show ring. Liver, blue and Isabella are not recognized because of the color of their leathers; and the solid whites are omitted due to the absence of black in the hairs on top of their backs. If you wish to campaign and show your dog in the conformation ring however, you will need to keep with animals with traditionally accepted colors and patterns. Dogs that are liver, blue or Isabella are severely penalized. Reverse Mask and Maskless German Shepherds The reverse mask aka wolf mask German shepherd is not a mix or hybrid, but rather a dog presenting a pattern that appears when both parents carry the gene for this coloring. These patterns date back to some of the earliest German Shepherd foundation dogs and still appear in certain lines, today. Rin-Tin-Tin was another reverse-mask without the stripe German Shepherd. The reverse mask can also present with or without the wolf stripe running down the nose. Some dogs are born with the wolf stripe but it fades with maturity—while others maintain the stripe. Maskless German Shepherds are dogs born with no mask, meaning their face coloring is the same as that of their body. Maskless dogs most commonly present as solid cream, tan, gray or silver. Both reverse mask and maskless German Shepherds are considered faulty lacking pigment for conformation purposes. Impression and Expression Impression — an idea, feeling, or opinion about a dog formed without conscious thought—or formed on the basis of little information. It is well balanced, with harmonious development of the forequarter and hindquarter. It looks substantial, giving the impression—both at rest and in motion—of muscular fitness and nimbleness. The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility—difficult to define, but unmistakable when present. Aside from overall outline, size and strength of body, the head is the most prominent feature of a German Shepherd. It is here that we find expression. The head should convey strength of character, intelligence, confidence and nobility—even in the very young. In recent years, some show lines have developed a black-face mask in which the entire mantle and muzzle of the dog is predominately black. Any feature that detracts from the overall impression or expression of a dog can be less desirable. Black-faced German Shepherds have become very popular, but some traditionalists believe this pattern can in fact, change the expression of the dog—giving it an intimidating or less approachable expression. Most of the top VA dogs in Germany still carry the traditional mask pattern, but there are many up-and-coming black-faced dogs vying for the top spots. Another example of how color can impact expression is eye color. Light eyes on a German Shepherd overpower other aspects of the dog and change its expression from that of a traditional, loyal shepherd to that of a more elusive, mystic wolf. For this reason, the breed standard calls for the eyes of German Shepherds to be as dark as possible. In the show ring, light eye color—especially yellow hues—are penalized. Become a part of the GSDLiving experience. Upload a photo, pay tribute to your best friend

Town and country cut Short cut You will also have to bear in mind that some of these cuts will be much shorter. If you live in a cold climate or a hot climate, ensure you have the right protection for your dog. Our article on dressing dogs for winter shows you how to do this in an appropriate way. Lion cut The lion cut is probably the best known and most extravagant of all the poodle haircuts. The dog's limbs are hairless, with only a pompom around the front and back paws. The tail should be rounded off and the chest, stomach and head should be left with hair. It is the most widely used haircut in competitions and dog shows where is is also known as the Continental cut. The lion cut's elaborate style makes it impressive, but also takes a lot of time and effort not to mention experience to get right. There are other cuts on dogs called the lion cut, such as one for the Shih Tzu , but they will look different according to the specific breed. Image: National Geographic 2. English saddle cut The English cut is very similar to the lion cut. The difference lies in an additional pompom on the hind legs, and the pelvic area being left at the same length as the chest. It still shares the long ears and tightly wound curls on the body. Both are considered some of the most popular Poodle haircuts among groomers. Image: poodleforum 3. Dutch cut The Dutch cut is one of the most popular in dog contests and expositions. Unlike previous styles, this one is for those who are looking for a uniform style with no differences in length of the dog's coat. It's notable above all for the tail ending in a cute pompom. Image: poodleforum 4. Modern cut The modern cut for poodles is probably the most suitable for owners who love following recent trends and enjoy watching canine beauty competitions. This is also known as the Scandinavian cut or European cut in some sectors, especially in the United States of America. It seeks to achieve a careful and professional finish, without being as exaggerated as the aforementioned styles. It is an aesthetic cut, yet at the same time it is very natural. It follows the shape of the body, emphasizing the ears and tail as much as the head. This is a very trendy cut for Miniature Poodles, and it isn't difficult to work out why. This haircut really makes your poodle look like a puppy. This style doesn't aim to achieve a defined or sharp-looking finish. On the contrary, the fur should look natural and fresh. The American Kennel Club claims there should be a pompom on the end of the tail. It is another of the most popular Poodle haircuts. Image: temporary-secretary 6. Summer cut Many dog owners wonder if it's bad to give their dogs a haircut during the summer. Not all dogs should follow the example of the Poodle, which is a breed that adapts perfectly to different haircuts and styles. Summer is a hot period that makes your beloved poodle get dirtier than usual - especially if you take it to the beach or go for a walk in the woods. Therefore, giving it a summer cut is a good idea: You will help to keep it cool while achieving some interesting aesthetic finishes, as shown below. Winter Poodle cuts tend to leave more hair on the dog to help insulate them from the cold. Image: poodleforum. Cupcake cut This haircut is not very well known, possibly because some people think it provides a strange look once it is done. The cupcake cut is notable for leaving the ears absolutely rounded as a result of being thoroughly styled. Not all styles will involve Poodle face cuts to be so dramatic, but we think it is quite stylish. This Poodle cut is also notable for the shape of its head - which ends in a point - which bears a clear resemblance to a delicious muffin. Image: huxtablethepoodle. Teddy bear cut The teddy bear cut is increasingly popular among long-haired dog breeds. This finish must be done with scissors, and it requires hands with experience in styling poodles. The hair should be left mid-length so that the poodle's curls can be seen clearly. This gives a sweet and rounded finish which makes it look like a bear, as the name suggests. Make sure you know how often to bathe a poodle in order for their fur to look gorgeous at all times. Image: yiral 9. This style can work for any type of Poodle, but is particularly common with Standard or Miniature Poodles. Its defining feature is that it leaves the legs hairy and cylinder-shaped. The body hair, on the other hand, is cut shorter, which accentuates the density of the leg hairs. The head and ears have a rounded finish. Image: najupets .Short cut While it's not very common to see a short-haired poodle, it remains an aesthetic option that will avoid knots, tangles and dirt building up in its coat. This Poodle cut may be a good option in warmer countries. It is also a good option for those who can't go to the dog stylist as often as they would like to. This style can work just as well on a Toy Poodle as it will a Standard Poodle. However, you will need to bear in mind that it may cause the dog to become cold. Either avoid this cut in cold climates or winter months. If you still prefer a shorter cut, ensure you have a doggie jacket for them to stay protected. Image: notastandardpoodle-gregg. The problem is there is no standardized style guide for cutting a Poodle's hair. In different countries, regions and even individual dog groomers , there is debate over the correct name for some of the terms. This can understandably cause confusion for groomers. Clients may come in with a specific idea of how they want their Poodle cut, but are unable to explain the style to the groomer. The best thing for you to do is to decide on what you want before hand and locate a picture of the Poodle cut you want. You can even take this article with you and decide which type of haircut will best work for your dog. Relying on the name of a certain Poodle cut may cause confusion or frustration, so it is best to be on the safe side. Send us a photo of your dog! Do not forget to share your poodle's haircut in the comments so that others can get inspired. Thank you for visiting AnimalWised! If you want to read similar articles to 10 Haircuts for Poodles, we recommend you visit our Beauty tips category. New Feature 7 dapper hairstyles for your poodle Your poodle is an elegant dog that deserves to be taken care of with impeccable style. The poodle's coat is its most distinguishing feature, and it's essential to keep it looking its best. Grooming is key, and a good haircut can make all the difference! As your dog's fur grows out, it can become tangled and unruly, making for a frustrating appearance. Your poodle is an elegant dog that deserves to be taken care of with impeccable style. There are many different styles of haircuts a poodle can have, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for your pup. It can be hard to know where to start with so many options available. Don't worry; we're here to help! In this article, we'll take a look at seven trendy hairstyles your poodle can rock on his walk. The Lion Cut Let's start with one of the most popular poodle haircuts of all, the lion cut. Sometimes referred to as the "puppy cut," this hairstyle takes advantage of your poodle's long fur to give them a mane-like appearance. The dog's limbs are left hairless, except for a pompom around the tail, front and rear paws. A perfect look for poodles who want to show off their luxurious locks! This hairstyle will last a while since the short hairs on your poodle's face and body will help prevent matting. You should still brush your pup regularly to keep his coat clean and healthy! The Puppy Cut Another popular haircut for poodles and other small dogs like the Yorkshire Terriers is the "puppy cut. While the fur looks a little longer around the face, the haircut mimics a human infant rather than a furry animal. With this cut, your pup will feel extra comfortable as he goes about his day! While many owners opt for this style as it doesn't require as much maintenance as other cuts, it's easy to get tired of the same look over time. Your poodle will still need regular brushing to remove tangles and maintain his healthy coat. Teddy Bear Cut Do you love the look of a teddy bear? The teddy bear cut is another popular choice for poodle haircuts. It's an adorable style that looks kind of like your pup has a bushy mane! This technique leverages the poodle's tiny round eyes and creates the illusion of a furry face. The hair should be cut uniformly at mid-length with a rounded shape to the top of the head. It's important not to cut the body fur too short, as we need the poodle's curls to be seen clearly for this cut. The fur around your pup's paws is left untouched, so it appears thick and full, giving your poodle the appearance of having tiny bear paws! These cuts are extremely popular with older dogs who won't have to worry about frequent brushing or bathing. Summer Cut Although you want your poodle to look cute, you also want them to be comfortable! In the summer, it's hot and humid, and your pup will thank you for cutting his hair shorter. The summer cut is an excellent choice for those sweltering days. In this style, all of the hair on your poodle's body is trimmed very short, except for a small tuft around the tail and large pompoms around the legs. This style is easy to maintain and will help your pup stay comfortable in the summer heat. Dutch Cut Known for its frequent appearance in dog shows, the dutch cut is a great choice for poodles that want a unique look. This creates a "Mohawk" look that is sure to turn heads! The tail can also be left long or cut short to complement your pup's look. The face and paws are the only parts of the body shaved, so you get a little bit of extra grooming time! This cut requires regular brushing to keep your poodle's coat clean and tangle-free. English Saddle Cut The English saddle cut is a popular choice for poodles with longer coats. This haircut is similar to the dutch cut, but it explicitly leaves more hair on the top of your poodle's head. The face and legs are also shaved, but a little more fur is left on the body to create an overall rounded look for this cut. This cut is great-looking but will require regular brushing and bathing to prevent mats from forming. Short Cut This is a prevalent choice for poodles with shorter hair, as it is low-maintenance and easy to groom. In this style, all of the hair on your dog's body is trimmed short, except for the ears. The fur around his face and paws is also shaved short, giving your pup a clean, polished look. This style is perfect for owners who want their dogs to look neat and tidy with minimal effort! Although this style doesn't require as much grooming as other styles, it's still necessary to brush your poodle regularly as the fur grows back. Things To Know Before Grooming Your Poodle Now that you know a little bit about the different types of poodle haircuts, there are a few things to keep in mind before you get started. All poodles require regular brushing Regardless of the style of haircut you choose. Brushing helps to remove excess hair and keep your poodle's coat healthy. It also helps to stimulate blood flow to the skin, which is important for natural oil production. Be sure to give your pup a good bath before grooming him, It would be best to wash your dog too often, but bathing him before grooming will help remove loose fur and leave your poodle's coat soft and shiny. A lot of groomers also recommend giving your pup a good brush after bathing to remove any excess hair, as it can clog drains or just be tough to clean up. Grooming should be a fun experience for your dog Please don't force your poodle to do anything they don't want to! Teaching them that grooming is a positive, relaxing experience will help the process go by more quickly and smoothly. Start grooming early If your dog is still a puppy, it might be a good idea to introduce him to the grooming process early on. This will help him get used to the sights, sounds, and smells of a groomer's salon, and he'll be more likely to cooperate when it's time for his actual haircut. We recommend sending your dog to a professional groomer for his haircut. This will ensure that your pup gets the best possible cut and that you don't accidentally cut him too short or leave any bald patches. Most groomers offer various services, so be sure to ask what they include in their price. Generally, a groomer will begin by bathing your dog and then trimming his nails, cleaning his ears, and starting to cut the hair according to your specifications. The process will continue with a blow-dry, and then your pup will be ready for his final trim. Poodles are known to have a lot of hair, so it can take a long time to groom them completely. You should expect the process to take up to two hours or more. You should consider many factors when choosing a groomer, including experience, pricing, and location. The best way to find a qualified groomer near you is to use Pawsh's directory. Top-Rated and Vetted Groomers All the groomers on our platform are top-rated, with glowing reviews from previous clients. We also verify all of our groomers based on training and professional experience to ensure that they're the best in their industry. At-Home Grooming Pros Our platform is special because our groomers offer grooming delivery services, meaning they come to you. This can usually help you save a lot of money and offers you the convenience of getting your poodle groomed in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. Save time and hassle by using Pawsh today! App for Android and iPhone Pawsh is available as an app for Android and iPhones to make booking groomers easier than ever before. Just download the application, enter your zip code, choose a poodle-certified groomer near you, and book your appointment! Take advantage of cashless payments to pay, tip, and rebook all through our app! Conclusion Poodles are a pretty high-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. They have a lot of hair that needs regular attention and time-consuming maintenance. If you want your poodle to look his best, investing in a great haircut from a qualified groomer is key! For an easy way to book quality grooming services at home, Pawsh is the best option for you. Just download our app, book an appointment, and sit back as we take care of your beloved poodle! Related Posts. By Yvonne Villasenor Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance writer and animal lover who just so happens to be allergic to cats and dogs. That doesn't stop her from cuddling with them! When Yvonne's not working, you can find her lounging with her charming Chihuahuas, weightlifting, or wandering around Halloween stores. Having such unique and versatile fur means there are countless poodle haircuts for you to choose from, and a professional groomer can give your poodle a makeover with a hairstyle that best matches her personality and lifestyle. With so many options available, learn how your poodle can look like anything from a plush toy to elegant royalty! Teddy Bear Cut The teddy bear cut is a popular trim for poodles and other long-haired breeds. With this look, your poodle has longer hair on her face for a soft, rounded "teddy bear" appearance, and the rest of the fur on her body is cut at a shorter, uniform length throughout. Talk about cuddly cuteness! Summer Cut Because poodles have a single coat, they can enjoy the luxury that comes with it: the summer cut. Known as one of the most low-maintenance poodle haircuts, the summer cut is a practical haircut option that keeps your poodle's fur short so she stays comfortable in hot weather. So if you're looking to cut your hair to beat the heat in the summer, you and your poodle can rock shorter hairdos together! Puppy Cut No matter your poodle's age, you can seemingly turn back time with the puppy cut. Also a popular choice among poodle parents, the puppy cut is a simple, natural-looking trim that leaves your dog with an evenly cut length, typically 1 to 2 inches, all over. This is a highly modifiable look, so consult your groomer for a length that best fits your and your dog's preference and lifestyle. Continental Cut The continental cut is a glamorous and traditional hairstyle often worn by poodle show dogs. With this look, your poodle's face, throat, feet, and part of the tail are shaved. This look is characterized by full hair on the rib cage and chest, pom poms of fur on the tail, ankles, and hips, as well as a banded topknot on the head. German Trim Looking for a haircut that looks fancy but not too fancy? The German trim uses the power of angles to give your poodle a sharp profile. The hair on your furry friend's legs is left long, while the hair on the body and ears is cut short. This is a great option not only if your poodle is more active but also if your pup is prone to ear infections or ear matting. Modern Cut The modern cut is an elegant hairstyle that combines aesthetics with your poodle's natural features. This cut keeps the hair on the body short, accentuating your poodle's shape. The fur on the head, ears, and tail is left longer to create a fluffy appearance. When your dog has such curly, coarse locks, you may wonder how many trips to the groomer you and your poodle may be making. Poodles and poodle-crosses also go through a coat change in the first year of life, so they need to be groomed more often," says Danna Alexander, owner of Prestige Dog Grooming School. To keep mats and tangles at bay, it's best to brush your poodle at least two to three times a week. Toy poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and standard poodles, just as standard poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and toy poodles. While any poodle can sport any style, there may be common options you'd like to choose from. Because there are various names for different types of poodle haircuts, make sure to bring your groomer a photo of the haircut you'd love your pooch to have. Was this page helpful? Two ponytails look amazing not only for small kids but also for small dogs. Keep the body hair short, sparing the ears. The coat growing here should be longer than the ears. Tie the hair without the ears. Outlined Coat Create an outline for the belly and legs these should have longer hair than the rest of the body. Next, create height on the half back and top of the head. The ears should also have long hair that is tousled and teased. In fact, it seems that the poodles were the ones who created it. So make sure to try it at least once. Summer hairstyle This is a great poodle haircut for the next summer season. You need to keep the hair on the body about half an inch short and leave the hair long on the ears and the tail. A wonderful choice! You need to keep the hair all about the same length but not longer than 1- 1. The plush toy is ready! There are plenty of different dog clothes out there. All you need to do is go shopping. Curly friend Curly poodles look wonderful with short hairstyles. However, this poodle haircut requires a careful approach. Cutting curly hair too short can result in getting rid of the cute spirals. So be careful! Ponytails If your pet is a girl and you want to give it a girly look, consider cutting the hair short on the face and leaving it long on the ears. The hairy long ears will give an impression of ponytails that you can decorate with clips and bows. The shorter the fluffier Your curly poodle will look like a plush toy if you do the right job managing its hair. Ask a professional dog groomer for advice on how long such hair should be to look neat. Puppy style Puppy poodle haircuts must be adorable. There is no need to go out of your way. You will need to grow the hair about 3 — 4 inches long and then take the dog to a professional groomer so he or she can shape the mane. Oh, those ears Poodle ears require special attention. They are often the centerpiece of any poodle hairstyle. Groomed face Poodle face usually requires special attention. The hair in that area is rather short on its own, but you need to keep it neat to contrast with the rest of the body, especially the long hair on the ears. Hairy cutie Poodle owners often go for short poodle haircuts. However, the long ones can even be more attractive. Neat and impressive Poodle hair is often hard to manage. But allow it to grow longer in the winter. The bob If you want your dog to have a closer- to- human hairstyle, you can create a bob. In order to achieve that, you need to grow the hair on top long enough to blend in with the ears. Short classics If you are running out of poodle hairstyle ideas or think that you are short on time, consider this classical cut. You need to trim the hair to be all the same length and leave it about 1 — 2-inch-long on the ears. Winter cut If your pet is getting ready for a cold winter, you need to ensure that the hair is long enough for morning and evening walks. You can even leave it long on the face to keep the dog warm. Half and half This half and half poodle haircut is extremely popular. It is a good choice for a dog show or some other special occasion but not the best idea for the dog itself. In fact, it can be quite uncomfortable for the animal. Princess haircut The simple princess haircut involves leaving enough hair on top to create the appearance of a human hairstyle. You can also leave some hair on the tip of the tail to make a more interesting impression. Tail designs Poodles have long tails and grow a lot of hair on them. Ask the groomer for some ideas or use this one. Teddy bear If you want your poodle to look like a teddy bear, this hairstyle is for you. The hair on the legs is kept about 1 inch long to make an appearance of a bear-like hair. The body can be trimmed a little shorter. A real lady This real lady hairstyle can be a real hit at a dog show. One of them is that the pet is warm during the cold months, and the other one is the room for imagination. The longer the hair, the more creative poodle haircuts you can come up with. Hair coat A hairless poodle face is a wonderful base for funny haircuts that look like a costume. It will seem as if the dog is hiding inside a large hair coat. Play around with the length and the style. Corded coat This dreadlock-like appearance is popular at the dog show. This hairstyle looks truly fabulous but requires a lot of work. Make sure that your dog is ready for the procedure. Corded coats are hard to take care of. Half-breeds If you have a have breed poodle, you might consider experimenting with very short hairstyles. The result will look surprising and benefit your dog. Leave the hair on the tail long enough for some at-home styling. Messy cut While your poodle might look like a fun and huggable teddy bear with a long hair, the dog might not be feeling comfortable lugging all this hair around. Give it a cut! Below are more awesome poodle cuts to get ideas. Their curly coat and malleable texture is like a groomers personal playground. But achieving these results is still a challenge. Katlin Primrose, a professional groomer, tells us about all the various Poodle haircut styles and trims out there. Also check her guide on Pomeranian haircuts for all the styles and trims. Despite the strangeness of it all — there is some reasoning behind the oddly shaped dogs. The general ideas is that Poodles are a working breed, and some of these coat styles are meant to improve mobility while keeping parts of their body warm and protected. Styles outside competitions are based on your personal taste or everyday practicality. Exotic Grooms Even more extreme are the fun Mastergroom Competitions, where groomers are challenged to come up with the most exotic or extreme styles ever see that poodle trimmed and colored to look like a Zebra? The Kennel Cut sometimes called a Sporting Trim follows these same rules, but with a few modifications. And their top knot is left as long as possible, while rounded and shaped by the groomer. Face, feet, tail, and neck shaving are optional but are hallmarks of the breed. The kennel cut is a modified version of a show groom that allows for easier day-to-day upkeep. This trim is known by several names: the Pom-pom Trim, Miami trim, and Vlown trim. Things get confusing with all these different names. Pompoms on legs keep the poodle style while a short body keep the cut easy to maintain. Medium or long topknot. Base of the tail is shaved for easy maintenance and cleanliness. German Trim A much more stylish cut over the Kennel cut, but for those dogs that get constant ear infections or ear matting. This trim is generally hand-scissored to create sharp angles to show off how pretty the dog is. The ears are shaved, either with a short 10 blade or sometimes even shorter with a 5 or 7. This trim also has no tail poof, but is a favorite for more active dogs. Short tail keeps things very easy to keep brushed and clean. Shaved ears, perfect for swimmers or dogs that get ear infections. Longer shaped legs for style, but can be taken quite short. Shorter body with longer legs keep the haircut simple but flashy. The Lamb Cut involves a shorter body with longer legs, and may be as short as a 7 blade body with 4 blade legs all the way up to a blade on the body with hand scissored legs. There is no specific length for this trim. So be sure to inform your groomer on your preferred length. Long legs for a very flashy poodle look. Shaved tail balances the shaved face and neck keeping the trim looking neat and clean for the dog. Topknot can stay as long or short as the owner prefers. Typically their hair is trimmed to the same length throughout the entire body. But what differs from other grooms is the lack of a shaved face or feet. Many owners make modifications based on personal preference. And most prefer a cute, round head more akin to a doodle. This is another trim that wears many names — The Teddy trim, Lab trim, Lagotto trim, Retriever trim, etc… This style is as versatile as the dog that wears it. Legs are kept short to match the body style. Fluffy nose to make a cute face. Continental Trim This is the stand-out groom for Poodles. And for adult dogs this is the AKC standard groom and most prominent at dog shows. Be warned, maintaining this groom requires a lot of time and patience, and is not recommended for the average owner. So why is this the AKC standard? The idea is Poodles are a water-retrieving breed, and their malleable coat texture lends itself to optimizing their performance. Just like the body of a race car is bent and formed to reduce wind resistance and maximize speed, every part of the Continental Poodle Groom was given a purpose. Balls of fur around the legs are meant to keep joints warm, to improve mobility and endurance. The back half of the body is shaved short, to improve mobility when water retrieving. The face is cut short in order to maximize vision and stop debris getting stuck on their snout. Fur is left on the tip of the tail to avoid frost bite. Shaved rear for the dog to not be bogged down in the water while retrieving. Pompoms keep joints warm in cold water. The hindquarters are shaved with pompons optional on the hips. The legs are shaved, leaving bracelets on the hindlegs and puffs on the forelegs. There is a pompon on the end of the tail. The entire shaven foot and a portion of the shaven foreleg above the puff are visible. The rest of the body is left in full coat but may be shaped in order to insure overall balance. In all clips the hair of the topknot may be left free or held in place by elastic bands. The hair is only of sufficient length to present a smooth outline. This is the only area where elastic bands may be used. Want to learn more? We have a full picture guide on 31 haircut styles and trims for several different breeds. You can also find her in the show ring with her dogs, winning awards in rally obedience and show grooming with the Canadian Kennel Club. You might say she's multi-talented when it comes to pets. Related Posts.

An 8 week old German Shepherd puppy is a bundle of antics and endless energy! Your 8 Week Old German Shepherd Puppy An 8 week old your puppy requires a daily routine and training to help them become the dog of your dreams. This article will not only help you understand your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy but will also explain to you why your little puppy has certain behaviors. Raising a German Shepherd puppy can feel like an overwhelming task at first! Just remember, your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is also adjusting to its new life with you. You should expect your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy to feel stressed and uncertain. They may seem timid and unsure of their surroundings. They might cry, whine, and not want your attention. Having structure and consistency will help create a bond and help you both in getting along more peacefully and calmly. Introducing A Puppy Crate Many dog owners choose to use a crate when it comes to caring for their 8-week-old puppy. While some people consider crates unnecessary, or even cruel, crate training is a useful skill to offer your dog. With the right training your pup will see its crate as their private safe space and will even go there to relax. Leaving your puppy at home unsupervised can get them and you into a heap of trouble. Crate training helps prevent your home from being a destruction zone. This useful guide to crate training a German Shepherd puppy gets you on the right track to success! Crate training your puppy can: help speed up housetraining teach your dog to settle calm down offer your dog privacy But you must introduce the crate slowly and positively so your puppy builds a strong connection to the benefits of the crate. Never just shove or push your young German Shepherd into the crate without using positive training. Your new dog also needs a routine and schedule to help them through the early days with you and set the expectations you have for them. Having a schedule helps your puppy to know what to expect in their daily routines. It keeps you from losing your mind and helps ease a worried puppy. While you might work from home or have other obligations, try to follow a schedule that looks similar to this: Early morning: Take your puppy out for the first potty break of the day! So, they may need to go outside even before the sun rises. Breakfast time: Your puppy may want to go back to sleep after going outside and this is perfectly normal. On the other hand, some puppies are wide awake and ready for their breakfast. Either way, always take your puppy back outside shortly after their breakfast so they can sniff and have another potty break. Mid-morning: Puppies should eat 3 — 4 small meals a day. Mid-morning is a good time for another small meal. Afternoon: This is a good time for their lunch followed by a potty break and plenty of sniffing time to work off some of their energy. Late afternoon: Puppies need another potty break in the afternoon, and some puppies need more breaks outside. Evening: Their dinner meal and their evening potty time. Remember to let them explore outdoors in a safe area to help build their confidence. Scheduling exercise, potty breaks, and play at the same times every day helps ensure that your puppy learns their daily routine more quickly and settles in nicely. And, even young puppies can learn basic training in their first weeks with you. Try training your German Shepherd puppy at home to start with. In the beginning, you may find a few accidents in the house. But, stick with your potty training and remember to always watch your puppy to keep them from having messes in the house. When you stick to a regular potty schedule, the likelihood of potty training mishaps decreases, and you and your puppy are less stressed. Always, always, always… Supervise your puppy indoors when you are potty training. Your toughest time together with your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy might be the first few nights. Your puppy has only known the comfort of his mother and siblings before. Having your puppy sleep away from you will only scare them more. And, although they are little, their cry is loud! Having a place for them near your bed is the best way to avoid a night full of tearful cries and howling. Can I let my German Shepherd puppy sleep in bed with me? Plus, when your puppy is an adult and tries to sleep in bed with you there will be no room for you! A full-grown German Shepherd can weigh up to pounds and will push you right out of your own sheets. Your puppy sleeps most of the day. A new puppy sleeps more often than they are awake. An 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy may sleep as many as 18 hours a day! Sleeping this much allows your puppy to have the energy they need to grow and keeps them ready to explore their new world. Feeding An 8 Week Old German Shepherd Your puppy should stay on the same food they were eating before you brought them home to keep them less stressed. This helps keeps your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy from having an upset stomach and becoming ill. Sometimes, you might want to switch them over to a different food. If you choose this route, do it slowly and in stages over a few weeks. At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should eat 3 to 4 small meals per day. Although their stomachs are small if you overfeed them they could get sick and have stomach problems. Spreading their meals out throughout the day in regular intervals is best to avoid any upsets. Look for a balanced, complete puppy food for large breed dogs. As a large breed dog, your German Shepherd you should only feed your puppy food that is specially formulated for large breed puppies. Large breed puppies have different nutritional needs that are not found in ordinary puppy food. Feeding a commercially available food that is formulated for large breed puppies helps them to grow at a sustained rate. Steady growth in a large breed puppy helps to avoid stress on their bones and gives them a strong skeletal foundation for their athletic muscles. Limiting food intake in growing German Shepherd puppies has also been associated with fewer signs of hip dysplasia. This is of extreme importance in this breed due to the high incidence of hip problems and the pain associated with this joint disorder. A growing puppy is best fed a proprietary pet food that has been specifically formulated to meet its nutritional needs. Foods that are available as dry kibble are especially suitable to rear even the youngest of puppies. Opt for this specially formulated food for large breed puppies to keep your dog growing at a healthy rate that helps them stay strong. It is a complete balanced diet so nothing is missing. Within the first few days of arriving to their new home with you is a stressful time. Your puppy has just made a drastic life change and left everything they knew to be with you. Diarrhea and other stomach issues are sometimes stress induced. You can help your puppy by keeping to a regular feeding schedule and feeding them the same food they were on before coming to you. Sometimes diarrhea is also a sign of an underlying health issue and, if left untreated, can become life-threatening. If your puppy vomits blood, has bloody stools and diarrhea, becomes lethargic, or refuses to drink, call your vet immediately! To an 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy biting and nipping are all part of playing with their siblings. And, your puppy will most likely bite and nip you at some point too. They may even growl at you and tug at your hands or nip your ankles. This is all part of puppy play. But… It can really hurt you or make you bleed! Understanding bite inhibition means they know how to control the power of their play bites and how hard or soft they nip you. Preventing Nips and Bites If you know the right way to prevent and stop German Shepherd puppy biting, you can train your puppy to understand how to keep their razor-sharp tiny teeth from sinking into you. Instead… Offer them plenty of puppy-safe chew toys appropriate for their size. When they bite or nip you, calmly show them the toy to chew instead. Get their attention by moving the toy in a playful way around them so they begin to chase and bite the toy, instead of you or your furniture. Use these links to help you stay on the right track throughout their life. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.It is recommended for a puppy 8 weeks and above. The food is designed for the long and strong muzzle of a German Shepherd. It is made to encourage your dog to chew. The food promotes stool quality for your puppy through its highly digestible proteins and quality fibers. The dog food is packed with antioxidants. The glucosamine in the food helps maintain healthy bone and joint that is required to support a large breed like the German Shepherd. This food is for a strong immune system, smooth digestion, and healthy bones. The protein in the chicken also promotes muscle growth. This food has fatty acids that promote cognitive development for your puppy. This dog food does not contain any by-products. The food has vet-selected and approved antioxidants. It also contains vitamins and minerals that promote a healthy immune system for your puppy. With this food, your puppy develops and matures with a strong body and a powerful immune system. Pros It satisfies meat cravings for puppies Has fatty acids The antioxidants are selected by vets Cons. This article is designed to help you along your way. This is completely normal. Every new puppy owner has their moments of frustration and doubt. Remember that your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is going through a big life change, too. She may be feeling stressed and out of sorts when you first bring her home. Consistency and structure will go a long way toward helping both of you. Introducing The Puppy Crate A crate can be your best friend when it comes to caring for your 8-week-old puppy. While some people think of crates as cruel, the reality is that with the right training, your puppy will think of her crate as a safe, quiet space where she can go to relax. If you leave your puppy unsupervised at home, you may come back to find a whole lot of destruction. Puppies can get into all kinds of trouble on their own, with their natural curiosity and desire to chomp down on just about everything in their path. A crate can help you keep your German Shepherd puppy — and your belongings! While every puppy is different, chances are your daily schedule for the first week will look a little bit like this: Early morning: Time for the first potty break of the day! Breakfast time: You can feed your puppy breakfast right after her first potty break, or wait a little longer and let her go back to sleep first. Mid-morning: Time for another small meal, and another potty break. Afternoon: Lunchtime followed by a potty break. Late afternoon: Another potty break! Evening: Dinner, and then — you guessed it — potty time. Just before bed: One last trip outside before you turn in for the night. In between potty and mealtimes, your puppy will probably be playing or napping. Scheduling play and exercise at the same times every day can help ensure that you get that nice, quiet naptime right on schedule, too. Potty Training an 8 Week Old German Shepherd Potty training can be one of the most daunting tasks of raising a brand new puppy. It may take a bit longer than you expected for your puppy to get the hang of things! Your puppy has never been apart from her siblings and mother before. The best way to avoid a night full of mournful wailing is to let your puppy sleep in your room, at least in the beginning. Safer ways to keep your puppy comfortable and contained at night include keeping her crate beside your bed, setting up a puppy playpen, or even just using a tall cardboard box. In fact, an 8-week-old puppy can spend as many as 18 hours a day sleeping! This helps keep some element of consistency in her routine and her stomach. If you do decide to switch over to a different food after a few weeks, do so in stages. You can then increase that slowly over time. At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should be fed three to four times per day. Because the German Shepherd is a large breed, you should also feed your puppy a diet formulated specifically for large breed puppies. There are many commercially available diets made to help large breed puppies grow at the right rate. This helps to avoid skeletal abnormalities like hip dysplasia. Want more information on what to feed your 8-week-old German Shepherd, and how to change her diet as she gets older? We have everything you need to know right here in our guide to feeding a German Shepherd puppy. The stress of such a drastic life change can manifest in different ways, and an upset stomach is a pretty common reaction. You can give your pup a better chance of having a settled stomach by keeping her on the food she was eating before you brought her home, and feeding on a consistent schedule. Diarrhea can also be a sign of an underlying issue besides stress, however, and severe diarrhea can be life-threatening if left untreated. Your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is likely to bite you too, for exactly the same reason. She may even growl. And it really can hurt! Your Growing Dog As your German Shepherd puppy grows, our guides will help you care for her throughout her life. Here are a few links to get you started:. Can a German Shepherd puppy start training at 8 months? How to Potty Train Your 8-week-old German Shepherd Puppy Potty training your 8-week-old German Shepherd can be stressful at first, but with a bit of persistence and patience, your puppy will learn correct behavior in no time. The potty area can be outdoors or indoors. Having a designated potty place will help your dog understand that this is the only place they should go to poop or pee. Watch Out for Signs One of the first signs is usually an increased awareness of their surroundings. You may notice that your puppy starts sniffing around more often or seems particularly interested in certain places of the house. Watch out also for changes in behavior. If your pup suddenly starts having accidents inside or seems antsy and restless, they may be trying to tell you that they need to go outside. Use Cue Words One way to help your new puppy understand what you want him to do is to use cue words. Cue words will help your German Shepherd puppy learn the connection between the words and the action. You can also use cue words when rewarding him for going in the right spot. Give Training Treats When potty training your puppy, use treats as a form of positive reinforcement. Doing this teaches your puppy that good things happen when they go outside to do their business. When choosing treats for potty training, select something small and easy to eat. This way, the puppy can eat the treat quickly and then get back to playing. It would be best if you also chose training treats that your puppy finds irresistible. Otherwise, they may not be motivated to keep trying. Puppy Crate It is an enclosure to confine your new puppy for short periods. It is also helpful in transporting puppies from one place to another. German Shepherd owners use it for crate training as they can also help with separation anxiety and boredom. Puppy crates usually have a removable tray on the bottom for easy cleaning. They also have wire, plastic, or fabric as the primary materials, and they typically come in different sizes to accommodate puppies of different ages and breeds. When buying a crate, it must be big enough for the puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down but small enough so that the puppy does not have too much space to eliminate in one corner and sleep in the other. When used correctly, it can provide a safe, comfortable space for your new furry friend. Early Morning: Bring your Puppy Outside When your German Shepherd is a still puppy, he may have trouble holding his bladder throughout the night. If you do not let your puppy out early enough, it might create potty accidents because he cannot control their bladder. Morning: Time for a Nutritious Breakfast Puppies need a lot of nutrients to grow up healthy and strong. A nutritious breakfast helps them get the energy they need to start the day. Even though puppies spend most of their time sleeping and cuddling, puppies require several daily feedings. Place your puppy on your lap and snuggle while sleeping. It would be best if you also let them rest throughout the day. Afternoon: Lunchtime Take your puppy outside after lunch to relieve themselves. Allow your puppy time to exercise and release any built-up energy. Feeding your puppy .Between naps, you can do playtime and training activities to help release energy, encourage physical activity, and develop a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd. Evening: Last meal of the Day During the evening, feed your puppy their fourth and last meal. Afterward, take your puppy for a short stroll. Before returning, have your puppy go potty outside, then snuggle up on the sofa for some quality time. Night: Potty Break Before Bedtime Take your puppy out for one more potty time before putting him to bed. Remember that you should establish a reasonable bedtime for your puppy early on. Moreover, an 8-week-old German Shepherd may develop a better appetite for other solid meals. These include constipation, bloating, and diarrhea. Diarrhea Diarrhea is a common problem that many German Shepherd puppies face. This condition has several possible causes, including dietary indiscretion, viral infections, and intestinal parasites. In most cases, diarrhea is not a serious concern and will resolve itself within a few days. However, seek veterinary care if your puppy displays other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, or lack of appetite. Constipation A young German Shepherd is particularly susceptible to constipation due to their large, muscular build and fast metabolism. If your puppy is constipated, you may notice that he has difficulty passing stool and seems uncomfortable or restless. If your puppy is constipated, take him to the vet for treatment. The vet may give him a laxative or enema to help relieve constipation. Bloating Bloating occurs when the stomach fills with gas, causing it to swell. German Shepherds are especially prone to bloating because of their deep chests. There are several possible causes of bloating, including eating too fast, drinking too much water, and exercising immediately after eating. Stress can also be a factor. To prevent bloating, feed your German Shepherd several small meals daily instead of one large meal. It is also important to avoid exercising immediately after eating and ensure that your dog has access to fresh water. Yes, a German Shepherd puppy can start training at eight months. But remember that every puppy is different and will learn at its own pace. Consistency is key, and with patience, your puppy will get the hang of obedience training in no time. Training should be a bonding experience for you and your pup! Remember to have fun and keep it light. At eight weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy sleeps for around 18 hours daily. It may seem like a lot, but puppies need a lot of sleep to grow and develop properly. As they get older, German Shepherds will sleep for less time each day. German Shepherd puppies use their mouths to explore their surroundings and socialize with other dogs and people. In addition, puppies typically start teething around eight weeks old, which can cause them to bite more as they try to relieve the discomfort caused by their emerging teeth. Puppies also explore the world with their mouths, and biting is a way for them to learn about their environment. In addition, puppies may bite out of excitement or frustration, especially if they are not getting enough exercise. If your puppy is biting excessively, provide him with plenty of chew toys and opportunities to run and play. Also read:. To keep up with all these changes, your puppy will require a healthy diet. It can mean the difference between a happy, active, and healthy puppy and a sickly, moody puppy with a slow growth rate. When choosing food for your puppy, ensure that it contains the main ingredients: fats, proteins, and digestible carbohydrates. It should also contain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Puppies need protein for building up their body tissue and for healthy skin and coat. You should always look for high-quality proteins from an animal source e. Fish oil, beef fat, chicken fat and eggs are all great sources of fats. These nutrients can be found in sweet potatoes, whole oats, white rice, and potatoes, among other starchy foods. However, be sure to limit the intake of calcium. Too much of it has been found to cause hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs. A German Shepherd puppy should consume between calories per 10 pounds of body weight according to the Nutrient Requirements of Cats and Dogs of the National Academy of Science Committee. This, however, also depends on their overall health conditions and activity level. You may need to feed them more or less to support their optimal growth.